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Imprimatur,
Vice^Cancell. Oxon,
January. 24,
1675.
I
THE
Government
OF THE
TONGUE
By the Author of
The Whole Duty of Man, &c,
^eath and Life are in the fower of the
Tongue, Prov, 18.21.
The third Impreffion.
'Atthe The ATE R in Oxford.
M. DC, LXXV.
1 \r^A f\
THE
PREFACE
H E Government of the
Tongue has ever bin jufily
reputed one of the moHim^
fort ant parts of human i?e-
The Philofopher and the
Divine equally attefi this \ and So-
lomon ( vpho Tfos both ) gives hpsfuf-
frage alfo ; the perfvpafions to , and
encomiums of it , taking up a conft--
derahle part of his book, of Proverbs.
\Jball not therefore need to fay any
a 2 thing
giment.
The Preface*
things tojujlifie my choke of thk
fubjeSi , which has Jo much better
Authorities to ccmmcnd it^ I ra-
ther vpifo that it had not the fuper-
addition of an accidental fitnefs
grounded upon the univerfal negleSl
of it ^ it now feeming to be an art
r^hollj cut-dated. For tbofome linea-
ments af it may he met with in
'books ^ yet there is fcarce any foot-
^ej?s of it in praSiice , where alone
it can he figni/icant. The attemt
therefore of reviving it I am fure
hfeafonahle^ Iwijh it were half as
eafj.
2' Indeed that skjll was never very
cafy ^ it requiring the greateji vigi-
lance and caution , and therefore not
to be attain'' d by loofe trifling fai-
nts. The Tongue is fo flippery^ that
it
The Preface.
it eaj) deceaves a droujy or heedlefs
guard. Nature feems to have given
it Jme unhappy advantage towards
that. 7ps in its frame the mojl ready
for motion of any member , needs not
fo much m the flexure of a joints and
by accefs of humors acquires a glihnefs
too , the more to facilitate its moving.
And alas we too much find the efe5i
of this its eafy frame ; it often goes
without giving us warning ; and 05
children when they happen upon a
Tolling engine , can fet it in fuch a
carriere , as wifer people cannot on a
fudden ftop ; fo the childijh parts of
m^ our paffxfns , ew fancies , all our
mere animal faculties ^ can thruji
cur tongues into fuch difordtrs ^ mouf
reafon cannot eafily reSiify. The due
mmagery therefore of this unruly
member
The Preface.
member , may rightly be efieemedone
of the greate/l myjieries of Wijdom
and Vertue. This is intimated by St*
James , If any man offend not ift
word, the fame is a perfeft man,
and able alfo to bridle the whole
body , Ja* 3. 2. Tis Jloried of Bemho
a primitive Chrijiian , that coming to
a friend to teach him a Pfalm^ he be-
gan to him the thirty ninth , I faid
I will look to my waies, that
I offend not with my Tongue; upon
hearing ofvphichfirji verfe , hejiopt his
Tutor -> faying^ This is enough for me^ if
I learn it as I ought ; and being af-
ter fix months rebuked for not com-
ing again ^ he replied^ that he had
not yet learnt his firjl leffon : nay af-^
ter ninteen years he profefi^ that in
that time he had fear ce learnt tofuU
fii
The Preface.
fill that one line. I give not thi6 in-^
fiance to difiourage ^ but rather to
quicken men to the Hudy ; for a leffon
that requires fo much time to learn ,
had need be early begun with.
3. But efpecially in tbis age ,
wherein the contrary liberty ha6 got
.fuch aprepofjejfion , that men look on
it as apart of their birth-right^ nay
do not only let their tongues loofe^ but
Jiudioufly fuggeft inordinancits to
them 5 and ufe the /pur where they
Jhould the bridle. By this means
converfation 16 fo generally corrupted^
that many have had caufe to wip
they had not bin made fociable crea-
tures. A manfecludtd from company
can have but the Devil and himfelf
to temt him ; but he that converfes^
has almofi as many fnares as he has
b compa^
The Preface.
companions: Men barter vkes^and
as if each had not enough of his own
growth -, tranfplant out of his neighbors
foil^ and that which was intended
to cultivate and civilize the worlds
has turned it into a wild defert and
wildernefs.
4. This face of things I confefs
looks not very fromifmg to one who
is to folicite a reformation. But
whatever the hopes are ^ I am fure
the needs are great enough to jujiify
the attemt : for as the difeafe is Epi-
demic ^ fo it is mortal alfo , utterly
inconfijient with that pure religion ,
which leads to life. We may tak? St.
James'^ word for it , If any man
feem to be religious , and bridleth
not his tongue, that mans religion
is vain, Jam, i. 26. God knows
The Preface/
m have not much Religion among U6 1
tps great pity vpe Jhould frujiratt
the little we have , render that utter-
ly fignificant , vphich at the beji a-
mounts to fo little. Let therefore the
difficulty and neceffity of the tasK^
•prevail mth us to take time he^
fore U6^ not to defer thisfo necefary
a work, till the night come ; or ima-
gine that the Tongue will he able to
expiate its whole age of guilt by a
feeble Lord have mercy on me at
the lafi. Tho indeed if that were
fuppofeable^ twere but a broken reed
to truji to , none kriowing whether
he JImll have time or grace for that.
He may be furpriz^d with an Oath^
a Blafphemy ^ a Detra^ion in his
mouth : many have bin fo. Tis fure
there muji be a dying moment \ and
how
The Preface.
how can any man fecure bimfelf\ it
Jhall not be the fame with that in
which he utters thofe , and his eo(pi-
ring breathy lefo empkied ? Sure they
cannot think, that thofe incantations
C tho hellijh enough ) can make them
Jhot free , render them invulnerahle
to deaths darts ; and if they have not
that or fome other as ridiculous re--
ferves , 'tis firange what fiould
make them run fuch a mad adven^
iure.
5. But I expeSi itj/jould he oh-
jeSied^ that this little defpicable TraH
is not proportionable to the encoun-
ter to which it is brought ; that befides
the unskilful managing of thofe
points it do's touch , it wholly omits
many proper to thefubje^ , there be--
fng faults of the Tongue which it
paPs
The Preface.
paffesin fiknce. Iconfefs there is colo^
enough for this objeSiion. But I believe
if it were put to votes > more would
rejolve I had faid too vtuch , rather
then too little. Should I have en-
larged to the utmoji compafs of this
Theme , IJhould have made the vo-
lume of fo affrighting a bulk , that
few would have attemted it ; and
by faying much I Jfjould have faid
nothing at all to thofe who mofi need
it. Mens flomacs are generally fo
qneafie in thefe cafes ^ that tis not
fafe to overload thein , let them try
how they can digefl this : if they can
fo as to turn it into kindly nurifi-
ment , they will he able to fupply
themfelves with the remainder. For
I think I may with fome confidence
affirm^ that he that can confine his
Tongue
The Preface.
Tongue within the limits here pre-
fcrib'dmay without much difficulty re-
Jlrain its other excurfions. All IJfjall
beg of the Reader , i^ but to come with
fincere intentions , and then perhaps
thefe few Stones and Sling ufed in
the Name^ andmth invocation of the
Lord of Hofts , may countervail the
viaffive armor of the uncircumcifed
Philiftin ; And may that God who
loves to viagnifie his power in weak:
nefs , give it the like fuccefs.
THE
THE CONTENTS.
Se5l. I . of the UJe of Speech, p, i.
SeEi, 2. Of the manifold Abiife of Speech. 7.
SeEi. 3. Of Atheistical ^ifcourfe. p,i2.
Se5i. 4. OfT>etra£lion, p, 39.
Se£t, f. Of Lying "Defamation, p. 49.
Se^. 6. Of Uncharitable Truth. /• ^^
Se£i^ 7. Of Scoffing andT)erifion. /• 113
4^^/^. 8. Of Flattery. p. 134.
«y^^. 9. 0/ Boafting, p, 155-.
4^^^. 10. Of Slueruloufnefs. p, 174.
*5>^. 11.0/ Tofitivenefs. /. 1 8 8.
aSV^. 1 2 . OfObfcene Talk. p. 204.
TheClofe. p.io6.
OF THE
Government of the Tongue.
S E C T, I.
Of the Vfe of Speech.
'AN at his firft creation was
fubltituted by God as his
Vicegerent, to receive the
homage, and enjoy the fer-
vices of all inferior beings : nay farther
was endowed with excellencies fit to
maintain the port of fb vaft an Empire.
Yet thofe very excellencies , as they quali-
fied him for dominion, fo they unfitted
A him
2 The Government of the Tongue.
him for afatisfadtion or acquieicencein
thofe his vaflals : the dignity of his na- #
ture fet him abov^e the Ibciety or con-
verfe of mere animals ^ fo that in all the
pomp of his roialty , amidft all the throng
and variety ofcreatures , he ftill remained
folitary. But God who knew what an
appetite of fociety he had implanted in
him, judged this no agreeable Itate for
him , It ts not meet that man should be
alone. Gen. 2.18. And as in the univer-
fal frame of nature , he ingraffed fiich an
abhorrence of vacuity, that all creatures
do rather fubmit to a preternatural mo-
tion then admit its fo, in this emty, this
deftitute condition of man , he relieved
him by a miraculous expedient , divided
him that he might unite him, and made
one part of him an allbciate for the o^
ther.
. 2 . Neither did God take this care
to provide him a companion , merely for
the entercouries of Senfe : had that bin
the fole aim, there needed no new pro-
dudlions, there were lenfitive creatures
enough: the defign was to entertain his
nobler principle, his reafon, with a more
equal converle, affign him an intimate,
whofe iatelledt as much correiponded
with
Sect. I. Of the Ufe of Speech. 3
% with his, as did the outward form, whofe
heart, according to Soloynons refemblance,
anfwered his , As in water face anfisoers
face, Prov. 27. ip. with whom he might
communicate minds , traffic and enter-
change all the notions and fentiments of
arealonablefoul.
3 . But tho there were this fympathy
in their fublimer part which difpofed them
to the moft intimate union ; yet there was
a cloud of flefli in the way which inter-
cepted their mutual view, nay permitted
no intelligence between them, other then
by the mediation of iome Organ equal-
ly commenfurate to foul and body. And
to this purpofe the infinite wifdom of
God ordained Speech ; which as it is a
found refulting from the modulation of
the Air, has moft affinity to the fpirit,
but as It is uttered by the Tongue , has
immediate cognation with the body, and
fb is the fitteft inftrument to manage a
a commerce between the rational yet in
vifible powers of human fouls clothed in
flefli.
4. And as we have reafon to admire
the excellency of this contrivance, fo
have we to applaud the extenfivenefs of
the benefit. From this it is we derive all
A 2 the
4 The Government of the Tongue.
the advantages ot fociety : without this ^
men of the neareft neighborhood would
have fignified no more to each other then
our tj4ntipodes now do to us. All our
arts and fciencies for the accommodati-
on of this life, had remained only a rude
Chaos in their firtt matter, had not fpeech
by a mutual comparing of notions rang-
ed them into order. By this it is we can
give one another notice of our wants,
and follicit relief; by this we interchang-
ably communicate advifts, reproofs, con-
folations , all the neceflary aids of hu-
man imbeciUity. This is that which pof-
lefles us of the moft valuable blefllng of
human life, I mean Friendfhip, which
could no more have bin contracfted a-
mongft dumb men , then it can between
pictures and ftatues. Nay farther to this
we owe in a great degree the interefts
even of our ipiritual being, all the oral,
yea and writren revelations too of Gods
will : for had there bin no language there
had bin no writing. And tho we muft not
pronounce how far God might have evi-
denced himfelf to mankind by immediate
inlpiration of every individual , yet we
may fafely reft in the Apoftles inference
Rom. lo. 14. How shall they believe in
him
s
S E c T. I. Of the Ufa of Speech, f
him whom they have not heard, and how
shall they hear without a preacher ?
y. From all thefe excellent ufes of it
in refped: of man, we may colled: another
in relation to God , that is » the praifing
and magnifying his goodnefs , as for all
other Effedts of his bounty, fo particularly
that he hath given us language, and all
the confequent advantages of it. This is
the juft inference of the.fon of Syrach
Ecclus. fi. 2 2. The Lord hath given me a
tongue , and I will praife him therewith.
This is the facrifice which God calls for fo
often by the Prophets, the Calves of our
lips , which anfwers to all the oblations
out of the herd , and which the Apoltle
makes equivalent to thofe of the floor and
wineprefs A^o ^ Heb. 13. 15. The fruit of
our lips, giving thanks to his name. To this
we frequently find the Pfalmift exciting
both himielf and others, ^ylwake up my
glory y 1 will give thanks unto thee, O Lord,
among the people, and I willfing unto thee
among the nations, Pfal. 57.9. 10* And
0 praife the Lord with me^ and let tis ma-
gnify hi^ name together, P fal, 34. 3 . And in-
deed who ever obferves that excellent ma-
gazine of Devotion, the book of Pfalms,
Ihall find that the Lauds make up a very
great part of it, 9. By
6 The Government of the Tongue.
6. B Y what hath bin laid , we may de-
fine what are the grand ufes of fpeech,
viz. the Glorifying of God, and the be-
nefiting of men. And this helps us to
an infaUible teft by which to try our
words. For fince every thing is fo far ap-
pro vable as it anfwers the end of its be-
ing, what part foever of our difcourfes a-
grees not with the primitive ends of
fpeech, will not hold weight in the ba-
lance of the fand:uury. It will therefore
nearly concern us to enter upon this fcru-
tiny , to bring our words to this touch-
ftone : for tho in our depraved eftimate the
Eloquence of Language is more regarded
then the innocence, tho we think our
words vanilh with the breath that utters
them, yet they become records in Gods
Court , are laid up in his Archives as wit-
nefles either for , or againft us : for he who
is truth it felf hath told us , that By thy
words thou shalt be jujlified , and by thy
words thou shalt be condemned. Mat. 1 2 . 3 7.
Sec t.
of the Abufe of Speech.
Sect. IL
Of the manifold Abufe of
Speech.
I, And now fince the original de-
j[\ figns of fpeaking are fo noble ,
fb advantageous, one would be apt to
conclude no rational creature would be
temted to pervert them , iince tis fure
he can fubftitute none for them , that can
equally conduce , either to his honor, or
intereft.
2. Y E T experience (that great baffler
of fpeculation ) afliires us the thing is too
poffible, and brings in all ages matter of
fadt to confute our fuppofitions. So lia-
ble alas is fpeech to be depraved , that the
Scripture defcribes it as the fource of all
our other depravation. Original fin came
firft out at the mouth by fpeaking , before
it entred in by eating. The firft ufe we
find Eve to have made of her language ,
was to enter parly with the temter , and
from that to become a temter toherhuf-
band.And immediatly upon the fall^guilty
^dam frames his tongue to a frivolous ex-
cuse
« The Government of the Tongue.
cufe, which was muchlels able co cove^
his fin then the fig-leaves were his naked-
nefs. And as in the infancy of the firft
world 5 the tongue had licked up the ve-
nem of the old lerpent , fo neither could
the Deluge wafli it off in the fecond. No
fooner was that fmall colony Q where-
with the depopulated earth was to be re-
planted ) come forth of the Ark , but we
meet with Cham a delator to his own fa-
ther , inviting his brethren to that execra-
ble fpedacle of their parents nakednels.
3. N o R did this only run in the blood
of that accurfed Perfon 5 the holy feed was
not totally free from its infection, even
the Patriarchs themfelves were not ex-
emt. Abraham ufed a repeted coUufion
in the cafe of his wife , and expofed his
own integrity to preferve her chaftity.
Ifaac the heir of his bleffing, was ion of
his infirmity alfo, and ad:edover the fame
fcene upon Rebecca's account. Jacob
obtained his fathers bleflSng by a flat lie.
Simeon and Levi fpake not only falfiy, but
infidioufly, nay hypocritically, abufing at
once their profelytes , and their religion,
for the effe(5ting their cruel defignsupon
the Stchemites, Mofes tho a man of an un-
parelleFd meeknefs, "^ctjpake unadvijedly
with
Sect. II. Of the Ahufe of Speech, 9
with his lips y Pfal. 106. 33. T>avid ut-
tered a bloody vow againit NabaU fpake
words fmoother then oil to Uriah '^ when he
had don him one injury, and defign'd him
another. Twere endlels to reckon up
thofe feveral inftances, the old Teilament
gives us of thefe lapfes of the tongue:
neither want there divers in the new 5
tho there is one of fb much horror , as fu-
perfedes the naming more> I mean that
of St. T?eter in his reiterated abjuring his
Lord, a crime which (abllrad:ed from the
intention) feems worfe then that oijudasi
that traitor owned his relation, cryed Ma-
fier Majter even when he betraied him,
fo that had he bin mefured only by his
tongue , he might have paft for the better
difciple.
4. These are fad inftances, not re-
corded to patronize the fin, but to ex-
cite our caution. It was a Politic infe-
rence of the elders of Ifrael in the cafe of
Jehu ; Behold two Kings flood not before
himy how then shall we fland} 2 Kings. 10.
And we may well apply it to this • if per-
fons of fo circumfpedi a piety, have bin
thus overtaken, what fecurity can there
be for our wretchlefs ofcitancy ? If
tkofe who kept their mouths as 'it were
B with
lo The Government of the Tongue.
*isjith a bridLt-i i^xai. 39. i. could not alwaies
prelerve them innocent, to what guilts
may not our unreltrained licentious
tongues hurr}'- us ? Thofe which as the
Pfaimift fpeakech Pfalm. 73. p. go thro
the world-i are in that unbounded range
very likely to meet with him who walks
the fame round. Job. 2. 2. and by him be
tuned and jfet to his key, be fcrued and
wrelted from their proper ule, and made
fubfervient to his vilelt defigns.
f. A N D would God this were only a
probable fuppofition! but alas experience
lupplants the ufe of conjediurc in the
point ; we do not only prefume it may
be ib^ but actually find it is lb. For amidft
the univerial depravation of our faculties,
there is none more notorious then that
of Ipeech. Whither shall we turn us to
find It in its priitine integrity ? amidft that
infinity ofwords in which we exhauft our
breath, how few are there which do at
all correfpond with the original defigna-
tion of fpeech ; nay which do nottiatly
contradidl: it? To what unholy, uncha-
ritable purpoiesisthat ufeful fiiculty per-
verted? That which was meant to ferve
as the perfume of the tabernacle, to fend
"p the inceiifes of praifes and prayersj
now
Sect. II. Of the Abuje of Speech, \\
now exhales in impious vapors, to ecclipie
if it were poflible the Father of hght.
That which should be the itore-houleof
relief and refreflimenc to our brethren, is
become a magazine of all otfenfive wea-
pons againlt them, (pears and anoous and
sharp fwords^ as the Pfalmiit often phrafes
it. We do not only fall by the llip-
perinefs of our tongues , bur we delibe-
rately difcipline and train them to mif-
chief. JVe bend our tongues as our bows
for lies^ as the Prophet fpeaks, Jer. 9. And
in a word, what God affirmed of the old
world in relation to thoughts, is too ap-
pliable to our words , they are evil and
that continually , Gen. 6. 5. and that
which was intended for the inftrument,
the aid of human fociety, is become the
difturber, the peft of it.
6. I (hall not attemt a particular dif^
cuffion of all the vices of the tongue : it
doth indeed pafs all Geography to draw an
exa(^ Map of that '^juorld of iniquity^ as i^t.
James calls it. I fhall only draw the great-
er lines, and diftribute it into its principal-
aiid more eminent parts, which are diitm-
guifliable as they relate to God , our
Neighbor, and our Selves s in each of
which I (hall rather make an e(ray by
B2 \vav
1 2 The Government of the Tongue.
way of inftance , then attemt an exacS:
enumeration or furvey.
S E C T. III.
Of Atheifiicall Difcourfe.
3.x Begin with thofe which relate to
j^God, tliis poor delpicable member
the tongue being of fuch a gigantic info-
lence tho not fize, as even to make war
with heaven. Tis true every difordered
ipeech doth remotely fo, as it is a violation
ot Gods law ; but I now ipeak only of
thofe which as it were attaque his peribn,
and immediatly fly in the face of Omni-
potency. In the higheft rank of thefe we
may well place all Atheiftical Difcourfe,
which IS that bold fort of rebellion, which
ftrikes not only at his Autority , but him-
lelf. Other blafphemies level fomeatone
Attribute, fome another 5 but this by a
more compendious impiety , flioo ts at
his veiy being, and as if it fcorn*d thofe
peice-male guilts, lets up a fmgle monfter
big enough to devour them all : for all in-
ferior
Sect. III. Of AtheiBicalT>ifcourJe, 13
ferior profanenefs is as much outdated
by Atheifra, as is religion it ielf.
2. Time was when the inveighing a-
gainft this, would have bin thought a very
impertinent fubjed: in a ChrijfLian nation,
and men would have replied upon me as
the Spartan Lady did, when flie was ask'd
what was the punifliiaent for adultereflcs.
There are no Juch things here. Nay even
amongft the moft barbarous people , it
could have concerned but ibme few
fingle pcrlbns ♦, no numbers, much lefs io»
cieties of men, having ever excluded the
belief of a Deity. And perhaps it may at
this day concern them as little as ever;
for amidft the various Deities and wor-
fliips of thofe remoter nations, we have
yet no account of any that renounce all.
Tis only our light hath fo blinded us : io
that God may upbraid us as he did Ifra-
el. Hath a nation changed their gods
which yet are 710 gods ? but my people have
changed their glory for that which doth
not profit, Jer. 2. ir. This madnefs is
now the inclofure, the peculiarity of thofe
who by their namei^ and infti tution fliould
be Chriftians: as if that natural Apho-
rilm , That when thnigs are at the height
they muft fall agaifty liad plpxe here alfo ,
and
1 4* The Government of the Tongue.
and our being of the moft excellent, moft
elevated religion, were but the preparative
to our being of none.
3. Tis indeed deplorable to lee, how
the profefTors of no God begin to vie
numbers with all the differing perfwiifions
in religion, fo that Atheifm leems to be
the gulph that finally fw allows up all our
leds. It has ftruck on a fudden into fuch
a reputation, that it fcorns any longer to
fculk , but own's it felf more publicly
then moft men dare do the contrary. Tis
fet down in the feat of the fcorner, and
fince it cannot argue, relblves to laugh all
Piety out of countenancejand having feiz-
ed the mint, nothing ihall pals for wit
that hath not its ft amp, and with it there
isnomettleoffobafe an alloy, but (hall
go current. Every the dulleft creature
tliat can but ftoutly difclaim his maker,
has by it fufficiently fecured its title to in-
genuity -; and fuch mefures being once
eftablifhed, no wonder at its (holes of pro-
fely tes , when it gives on the one hand li-
cence to all (enlual inordinances, permits
them to be as much beafts as they will , or
can, and yet tells them on the other, that
they are the more men for it. Sure tis not
ftrange that a hook thus doubly baited
(hould
Sect. III. OfAtheiftkal'Difcourfe, if
flioald caccli many, hitlier of thoie al-
lurements lingle, we fee has force enough.
The charms of lenfuahty are fo fafcina-
ting, that even thoie who believe another
world, and the ievere revenges that will
there attend their luxuries, yet chule to
take them in prelent with all the difmal
reverfions. And then iiire it canifot but
be very good news to fuch a one to be
told, that that after-reckoning is but a
falfe alarm, and his great willingnefs to
have it true , will eafily mcUne him to
beleive it is fo. And doubtlefs were A-
theiim traced up to its firtt cauies, this
would be found the molt operative ; tis
fo convenient for a man that will have
no God to controul or reftrain him,
to have none to punish him neither,
that that utihty pafles into argument,
and he will rather put a cheat upon his
underftanding by concluding , there is no
future account , then leave fuch a fting in
his plefures, as the remembrance of it mufl:
needs prove. This ieems to be the ori-
ginal and firft rife of this impiety, it be-
ing impoffible for any ir^an that fees the
whole, nay but the finalleft part of the
Univerfe, to doubt of a firft and fupreme
Being, until from the confcioufnels of
his
1 6 The Government of the Tongue.
his provocations , it become his intereft
there should be none.
4. T H I s IS indeed, confidering the de-
pravation of the world, a pretty faft te-
nure for Atheifm to hold by- yet it has
of late twilled its cord, and got that o-
ther ftring to its bow we before mention-
ed. Its bold monopolizing of wit and
realbn compells , as the other invited
men. This we may indeed call the devils
prefs,by which he hath filled up his troops:
men are afraid of being reproched for fil-
ly and irrational , in giving themfelves up
to a blindbeliefofwhat they donot fee.
And this bugbear frights them from
their religion ; refolving they will be no
fools for Chriftsfakcy 1 Cor. 4. 13. I dare
appeal to the brealls of many in this age,
whether this have not bin one of the moft
prevalent temtations with them to ef-
poufe the tenet : and t ho perhaps they at
firlt took it up , only in their own de-
fence, for fear of being thought fools,
yet that fear loon converts into ambiti-
on of being thought wits. They do not
fatisfy themfelves with deferting their re-
ligion , unlefstiiey revile it alfo; remem-
bring how themfelves were laught out of
it, they efl"ay to do the like by others. Yea
fo
Sect. III. 0} AtheifticalT>ifcourJe. \f
fo zealous propugners are they of their
negative Creed 5 that they are importu-
nately diligent to inftrudl men in it,
and in all the litle ibphiftries and colors
for defending it : io that he that would
mefure the opinions by their induftry,
and the remiilhefs of believers , would
certainly think that the great interefts of
E:ernity lay wholly on their fide. Yet I
take not this for any argument of the
confidence of this perfwafion , but the
contrary : for we know they are not the
fecure, but the defperate undertakings,
wherein men are moll defirous of part-
ners , and there is fomewhat of horror
in an uncouth way , which makes men
unwilling to travail it alone.
5. T H E truth is, tho thele men fpeak
big, and prcfcribeas pofitively to theit
pupils , as if they had fome counter reve-
lation to confute both of Mofes and
Chrift , yet were their iecret thoughts laid
open, there would fcarce be found the
like afllirance there. I will not fay to what
reprobate ienfe fome particular pcrfons
may have provoked God to deliver them,
but in the generality, I believe one may
affirm, that there is feldom an infidelity
fo fanguine as to exclude all fears. Theit
C moft
i8 The Government of the Tongue.
moft bold Thefis, That there is no God,
no judgment, no hell, is often met with
an inward tremulous Hypothefis, What
if there be ? I dare in this remit me to
rhemfelves, and challenge (not their con-
fciences, who profefs to have none, but}
their natural ingenuity to fay, whether
they have not fometimcs fuch damps
and shiverings within them. If they shall
fay, that thele are but the reliques of pre-
pofleflion and education , which theif
reafon fbon diffipates. Let me then ask
them farther , whether they would not
give a confiderable fam to be infallibly
afcertained there were no fuch thing:
now no ienfible man would give a far-
thing to be fecured from a thing which
his reafon tells him is impoflible-, there-
fore if they would give any thing (as I
dare fay they themfelves cannot deny
that they would ) tis a tacite demonftrati-
on that they are not fo fure as they pre-
tend to be. ;
6. I might here join ifKie upon the
whole , and prels them with the unrea-
fbnablenefs , the difingenuoufnefs of em-
bracing a profeflion to which their own
hearts have an inward reludiance, nay
the imprudence of governing their lives
by
Sect. 111. Of AthetfiicalT>i(courfe. 19
'^' by^thaTpofition , which for ought they
know may be ( nay they adtually fear
is ) falfe , and if it be , mult inevitably
immerfe them in endlefs ruin. Bat I
niuft remember my defign limits me
only to the faults of the Tongue > and
therefore I mull not follow this chafe be-
yond thofe bounds. I shall only extend
It to my proper fubjed: , that of Athei-
ftical talk , wherein they make as mad an
adventure as in any other of their enor-
mous pradlices, nay perhaps in fome re-
fpecSls a worfe.
7. In the firft place tis to be confider-
ed, that if there be a God, he, as well as
men, may be provoked by our words as
well as deeds. Secondly tis poflible he
may be more. Our ill deeds may be don
upon a vehement impulfe of temtatiouj
fome profit or plefures may tranfport and
hurry usj and they may at le all have this
alleviation , that we did them to pleafe
or advantage our felves , not to ^^ight
God: but Athcillical words cannot be fo
palliated : they are arrows diredlly shot
againft heaven , and can come out of
no quiver but malice : for tis certain
there never was man that faid , There was
no God , but he wished it firft. We know
C 2 what
^o The Governmenc of the Tongue,
I " I I a IP ■ I I
what an enhancement our injuries to each
other receive from their being malicious :
^nd fure they will do fb much more to
God, whofe principal demand from us is,
that we give him our heart. But third-
ly this implieth a malice of the higheft
fort. Human fpight is ufually confined
within fome bounds , aims fometimes at
the goods, fometimes at the fame, at
moft but at the life of our neighbor : but
here is an accumulation of all thofe,
back't with the moft prodigious infolence,
Tis God only that has power of annihi-
lation , and we (vile worms ) feek here
to fteal that incommunicable right, and
retort it upon himfelf , and by an anti-
creative power would unmake him who
has made us. Nay laftly, by this we have
not only the utmoft guilt ot fingle rebels,
but we become ring-leaders alio , draw
in others to that accurfed aflbciation 2
for tis only this liberty of difcourfe that
hath propagated Atheifm. The Devil
might perhaps by inward fuggeftions
have drawn in here and there a fingle Pro-
fcly re > but he could never have had fuch
numbers , had he not ufed fome as de-
Coies to enfhare others.
§. And now let the brisk Atheift a
httle
Sect. III. OfAtheiJiicalT>ifcourfe. 21
little confidcr , what thefe aggravations
will amount to. Twas good counfcl was
given to the Athenians, to be very fure
''Fhilip was dead, before they exprefled
their joy at his death, left they might find
him alive to revenge that hafty triumph.
And the hke I may give to thefe men , Let
them be very fure there is no God, be-
fore they prefume thus to defiehim, left
they find him at laft aflert his being in
their deftrudlion. Certainly nothing lefs
then a demonftration can juftify the rea-
fonablenefs of fuch a daring. And when
they can produce thatjthey have lb far out-
gon all the comprehenfions of mankind,
they may well challenge the liberty of
their Tongue, and fay. They are their own^
who is Lord over them, Pfalm. 12.4.
6. B u T till this be don , twere well
they would foberly ballance the hazards
of this liberty with the gains of it. The
hazards are of the moft dreadful kind,
the gains of the flighteft : the moft is
but a vain applaule of wit for an impious
jeft, or of reafon for a deep confiderer :
and yet even for that they muft in-
croach on the Devils right 'too, who is
commonly the promter , and therefore
if there be any credit in it may juftly
challenge
2 2 The Government of the Tongue.
challenge it. Indeed tis to be fear*d he
will at lad prove the mailer wit, when
as for thofe little loans he makes them ,
he gets their fouls in morgage. Would
God they would confider betimes, what a
woful raillery that will be which for ought
they know may end in gnashing of teeth,
lo. The next impiety of the Tongue
is Swearing, that foolifh fin which plaies
the Platonic to damnation, and courts
it purely for it felf , without any of the
appendant allurements which other fins
have : a vice which for its guiilt may jufti-
fy the fliarpeft, and for its caftomarinels
the frequentelt invedives which can be
made againft it. But it has bin alTaulted
ib often by better pens, and has sa ;wed
it felf fb much proof againfc all Homily,
that it is as needlefs as difcourag-'iig a task
for me to attemt it. Tis indeed a thing
taken up fo perfedily without all fenfe,
that tis the lefs wonder to find it main-
tain its felf upon the fame principle tis
founded, and continue ivv the fame defi-
ance to reafon wherein it began.
II. All therefore that 1 shall fay con-
cerning it, is to exprefs my wonder how
it has made a shift to twift it felf with the
former fin of Atheifm > by which ac-
cording
iH
Sect. III. OfAtheiftkalT>ifcourfe, 23
cording to all rules of reafoningit feems
to be luperleded : and yet we fee none
own God more in their oaths , then thofe
thatdifavow him in their other difcourfc.
Nayfiich men fwear not only to fwell their
language , and make it found more full
and biuitring, but even when they moft
defire to be believed. What a* abfor-
dity of wickednefs is this ? Is there a God
to iwear by, and is there none to believe
in, none to pray to ? We call it frenzy
to fee a man fight with a shadow : but
fure tis more lo , to invoke it. Why
then do thefe men of reafon make fuch
folemn appeals ( for fuch every oath is )
to a mere Chimera and Phantafm.^ It
would make one think they had fome
inward belief of a Deity , which they
upon furprizal thus blurt out : if it argue
not this , It does fomething worfe , and
becomes an evidence how much the ap-
pearance of a fin recommends it to them,
that they thus catch at it, without exa.
mining how it will confift with another
they like better. Thefe are indeed whole-
fale chapmen to Satan , that do nor truck
and barter one crime for another, but take
the whole herd : and tho by reafon of
their difagreeing kinds they are apt to
gore
24 The Government of the Tongue.
gore and worry each other, yet he ftill
keeps up his old policy, and will not let
one Devil call out another. A league
shall be made between the molt difcor-
dant fins, and there shall be a God, or
there shall be none, according as opportu-
nity lerves to provoke him : fo aflum-
ing to^ himlelt a power which even
Omnipotence difclaims, the reconciling
contradiiitions. A nd he fucceeds in it as far
as his concern reaches : for tho he cannot
fblve the repugnancies in reafon, yet as
long as he can unite the fins in mens pra-
d:ice, he has his defign; nay has at once
the gain and the fport of fooling theie
great pretenders to ratiocination.
12. A third fort of impious difcourfe
there is, which yet is bottom'd on the moft
facred , I mean thofe profane paraphra-
ies that are ufuaily made upon the holy
Text, many making it the fubjedt of their
cavils, and others oi their mirth. Some do
it out of the former Atheiitical principle,
and I cannot but confefs they ad: confb-
nantly to themfelves in itjfor tis bat a need-
ful artifice for men to difparage thofe tefti-
monies, which they fear may be brought
againft them. But there are others who
not only profcfs a God, but alfo own
the
Sect. HI. Of Atheiftical T>ifcourfe, 25-
the facred Scripture for his word , and
yet ufe it as courfly as the others. And
thefe I confefs, are riddles of profanenefs,
that haiig , as fome have pictured Solo^
moUj between heaven and hell, borrow
the Chriitians faith, and the Atheilb
drollery upon it : and tis hard to fay in
which they are more in earneft. It^ is
indeed fcandalous to fee, to what defpi-
cable ufes thofe holy Oracles are put: fuch
as fliould a Heathen obferve , he would
little fufped them to be own d by us as
the rule of our rehgion , and could ne-
ver think they were ever meant for any
thing beyond a whetilone for wit. One
tries his Logic upon them , and objeds
to the fenfe 5 another his Rhetoric, and
quarrels at the phrafe ; a third his con-
trivance, and thinks he could have wo-
ven the paits with a better contexture :
never confidering, that nnlefs they could
confute the Divinity of their original, all
thefe accufations are nothing elfe but di-
rediblafphemy, the making Gody?/r^^^?^^
a^s themjelves , Pfal. 50. 21. and charging
him with thofe defefts which are indeed
their own. They want learning or in-
duftry to found the depth of thofe facred
trefures, and therefore they decry the
D Scri-
26 The Government of the Tongue.
Scripture as mean and poor 5 and to ju-
Ihfy their own wifdom , dilpute Gods.
This is as if the mole fliould complain
the fun is dark 5 becaufe he dwells under
ground, and fees not his fplendor. Men
are indeed in all inftances apt to fpeak
ill of all things they underitand not, but
in none more then this. Their ignorance
of locall CLiitoms , Idioms of language,
and feveral other circumftances, renders
them incompetent judges, (as has bin
excellently evinced by a late Author. }
Twill therefore befit them , either to qua-
lify themfelves better, or to fpare their
Cricicifms. But upon the whole, I think
1 may challenge any ingenious man, to
produce any writing of that antiquity,
whole phrafc and genius is fo accomo-
dated to all fucceflions of ages. Styles
and waies of addrefs we know grow ob-
foletc, and are almoft antiquated as gar-
ments : and yet after fo long a tradt of
time , the Scripture mult ( by confider-
ing men ) be confeft to fpeak not only
properly , but often politely and ele-
gantly to the prefent age : a great argu-
ment that it is the dictate of him that
is, The jameye[lerday, to day ^ and for every
Heb. 13.7-
13. But
Sect. HI. Of AtheijttcalT>ifcourfe, 27
13. But beiides thefe more folemii
traducersj there are a lighter ludicrous
fort of profaners , who ule the Scripture
as they do odd euds of plaies, to fur-
xiifli out their jells ^ cloche all their lit-
tle impertinent conceits in its language,
anddebafeit by the mixture of fuch mi-
lerable trifles, as themfelves would be a-
fliamedof, were they not hightned and
infpirited by that prof anenefs. A bible
phraft ferves them in difcourfe as the
haut.gouft do's in diet, to give a relifh
to the moft inlipid fluff. And were it not
for this magazine , a great many mens
railery would want fupplies : for there
are divers who make a great noile of wit,
that would be very mute if this one To-
pic were barr'd them. And indeed it
feems a tacite confeflion , that they have
little of their own, when they are Kin
thus to commit facriledg to drive on
the trade. But fure tis a pitiful pre-
tence to ingenuity that can be thus kept
up, there being little need of any other
faculty but memory to be able to cap
Texts. I am fure Sfuch repetitions out
of other books would be thought pedan-
tic and filly. How ridiculous would a
man be , that fliould alwaies enterlardhis
D 2 dif.
2 8 The Government of the Tongue.
dilcoarfe with fragments oi Horace , or
Virgil , or the Aphorifms of 'Fythago^
ras ^ or Seneca ? Now tis too evident,
that it is not from any luperlativeeiteem
of facred Writ, that it is io often quo-
ted : and why fliould it then be thought a
fpecimen of wit to do it there, when tis
folly in other inltances? The truth is,
tis fo much the referveof thofe who can
give no better Teltimony of their parts,
that methinks upon that very fcore it
fliould be given over by thofe that can.
And fure were it poflible for any thing
that is fo bad to grow unfafliionable, the
world has had enough of this to be dol-
ed with it: but how fond foever men
are of this divertifement , twill finally
prove tha-t mirth Solomon Ip ?aks of, w hicli
ends in heavinefs ^ Pro v. 14. 13. for cer-
tainly v/hether we eftimate it according
to iiuman or divine mefures, it mull be
a high provocation of God.
14. Let any of us but put the cafe i a
our own perfbns : fuppofe we had writ-
ten to a friend , to advertifehim of things
of the greateft importance to himfelf ,
had given him ample and exa<fl inilru^
(ftions, back'd them with earneft exhorta^
tioas ^nd conjurings not to riegled: his
QWU
Sect. III. Of AtheifttcalDtfcoiirje^ 29
own cojacern , and lailly enforced all
with the moft moving expreffions of kind-
nefs and tendernefs to him: fuppolc, I
fay 3 that aicer all this, the nexc news
we fhoald hear of that letter, were to
have it put in doggrel rime, to be made
fport for riie rabbe, or at the beft have the
moii: eiiiinent phra'es of it picktoiitand
made a cjr.imon by— word : I would
faja know how any of us would reient
inch a mixture of ingratitude and con-
tumely. I think I need make no minute
applicat.on. The whole dcfign of the
Bibxe do's fufficiently anfwer, nay out-
go the firft part of the parallel , and
God knows our vile uHige of it do's
too much ( I fear too literally } adapt
the latter. And if we think the affront
too bale for one of us, can we believe
God will take it in good part ? That were
to make him not only more ftupid then
any man, but as much fb as the heathen
Idols, that have eies and fee not^ Pfalm.
1 1 5. f. And tis fure the higheft madnefs
in the world , for any man that believes
that there is a God , to imagine he will
finally lit down by fuch ufagc.
15. But ifweweighitinthe fcaleof
religion j the crime will yet appear more
hei«
3x) The Government of the Tongue.
heinous. Mere natural Piety has taught
men to receive the Refponfes of their
Gods with all poflible veneration. What
applications had the Delphic Oracle from
all parts , and from all ranks of men ?
What confidence had they in its pre-
didtion , and what obedience. did they
pay to its advice? If we look*next in-
to the Moiaical Oeconomy , we fliall
fee with what dreadful folemnities that
Law was promulged , what an awful-
re\^erencc was paid to the mount whence
It ifllied, how it was fenced from any
rude intrufions either of men or beafts :
and after it was written in tables, all
the whole equipage of the Tabernacle,
was dciigned only for its more decent
repofitory , the Ark it lelf receiving its
value only from what it had in cuttody.
Yea fuch a hallowing influence had it,
as transfufed a relative fand:ity even to
the meancft utenfils, none of which were
after to be put to common ufes: theve*
i*y perfume was fo peculiar and iacred,
that It was a capital crime to imitate
the compofition. Afterwards when more
of the divine revelations was committed
to writing, the Jews were fuch fcrupu-
ious reverers of it, that twas the bufinefs
of
Sect. III. OfAtheiJlicalDifcourfe. 31
of the Maforites , to number not only
the fedions and lines , but even the
words and letters of the old Teftament,
that by that exad: calculation they might
the better fecure it from any lurreptiti-
ous praftices.
16. And fure the new Teftament is
not of lefs concern then the old : nay the
Apoftle aflerts it to be of far greater , and
which we fliall be more accountable for,
For ij the word fpoken by Angels were Jied*
fafii and every tranfgreffion and disobedi-
ence received a jusi recommence , how shall
we ejcape if we negle5i Jo great Salvatiovh
which at the jirft began to be Jpoken to us
by the Lord ^ and was confirmed unto us
by them that heard him? Heb. 2. 23.
And It is in another place the inference
of the fame Apoftle, from the excellency
of the Gofpel above the Law, that we
fliould ferve God acceptably with revc-
rene arid godly fear , Heb. 12.28. And
certainly tis but an ill elThy of that reve-
rence and godly fear, to ufe that very
Gofpel fo irreverently and ungodlily as
men now do. If we pafs from the Apo-
ftolic to the next fucceeding ages of the
Church , we find the Primitive Chrifti-
ans lookt on their Bibles as their moft
im-
32 The Government of the Tongue.
important trefure. Such was the out-
ward refpetlts th^y paid to them, (of
which the itaading up at the reading of
the Golpcl, llill in me among us, is a faint
jnemonal ) that the heathen perfecutors
made it one part of their examinatioil
of the Chnltians broaght to their tribu-
nals, Ifljat thofe books were '■juhich they
adored inhile they read them ? Such was
their innimate eileem, that th:y expofed
all things eiie to the rapme of their ene-
mies, io they might fecure thofe volumes.
Nor was this only an heroic piece of
zeil in fomc) but indifpenfably requi-
red of all : infomuch that when in the
hear of perfecution , they were com-
manded to deliver up their Bibles to be
burnt, the Church gave no indulgence
forLhacneceffityofthjtimes, but exhort-
ed men rather to deliver up their hves:
and thofe whofe courage failed them in
the encounter, were not only branded by
the intamous name of TradJtars-^ but Sepa-
rated from the communion of the faithfiil,
and not readmitted till after many years
of the fevereit penance.
17. I have giv^en this brief narration.
With a delire that the reader will com-
pare the pradice of former times with
thole
Sect. III. Of AtheiHicalT>ifcourJe. 33
thole of the prefent , and lee wiiac he
can find either among Heathens, Jews,
or Chriftians, that can at all patronize
our profanenefs. There was no relpect
thought too much for the falie Oracles
of a f alfer God : and yet we think no con-
temts too great for thofe of the true. The
moral Law was fo facrcd to the Jews,
that no parts of its remoteft retinue,
thofe ceremonial attendants, were to be
lookt on as common : and we who are
equally obliged by that Law , laugh at
that by which we muft one day be
judged. The Ritual, the Preceptive, the
Prophetic, and all other parts of facred
Writ, were moit feduloully, mod reU-
gioully guarded by them : and we look
upon them as a winter nights tale, from
which to fetch matter of fport and mer-
riment. Lailly the hrll Chriftians paid
a veneration to, nay facrificed their lives
to refcue their Bibles from the unworthy
ufuage of the Heathens, and we our felves
expole them to worfe : they would but
have burnt them, we fcorn and vilify them,
and outvy even the perfecutors maUce
with our contemt. Thefe are milerable
Anrithefis'sj yet this God knows is the
cafe with too many. I wonder what
E new
54- The Government of the Tongue.
new Hate of Felicity hereafter thefe men
have fancied to themfelves : for fare
they cannot think thefe retrograde fteps,
can ever bring them fo much as to the
Heathens Elyzium, much leis the Cliri-
liians Heaven.
iS. It will therefore concern thofe
wlio do not quite renounce their claim to
that Heaven , to confider foberly , how
niconfiitent their prad:ice is with thofe
hopes. A man may have a great ettate
conveied to Jiim ^ but if he will madly
burn, or childifhly make paper kites of
his Deeds , he forfeits his title with his
evidence : and thofe certainly that deal
fo with the conveiances of their eternal
inheritance , will not fpeed better. If
thev will thus dally and play with them,
Ciod wiil be as little in earneil: in the per-
formance , as they are in the reception
of the promifes • nay he will take his turn
of mocking too, and when their fcene
of mirth is over, his will begin. A dread-
ful menace of this wc have, Prov. 1.24,.
which delerves to be fet down at large,
Becaufe I have called ^ and ye refrjed'^ I
have fir etched out my hand ^ and no man
regarded : But )C hav3 fet at nought all
my counfelf and would none of my rejproof.
Sect. III. OfAtheiftkal'Difcotirfe, 3f
/ alfo will laugh at your calamity , /
will mock when your fear comet h. When
your fear cometh as defolation ^ and your
deftruBion cometh as a whirlwind : when
dtjlrefs and anguish cometh upon you, then
shall they call upon me 5 but 1 will not
anfwer ^ they shall feek me early ^ but they
shall not find me. Would God I could
as well tranfcribe this Text into mens
hearts, and there would need no more
to iecLire the whole Canon of Scripture
from their profanation. Could men but
look a little before them, and apprehend
how in the daies of their dillrefs and a-
gony, they will gafp for thofe comforts
which they now, turn into ridicule*, they
would not thus madly defeat themfelves,
cut off their beft and only referve, and
with a pitiful contemt caft away thole
Cordials, which will then be the only
fupport of their fainting fpirits. As for
thofe who deride Scripture upon Athei-
ftical grounds, all I fliall fay is to re-
fer to what I have faid in the beginning
of this Sed:ion \ they had need be very
well affiired that foundation be not fan-
dy : for if it be , this reproching Gods
word will be a confiderable addition to
the guilt of all their other hoilility, and
E 2 how
36 The Government of the Tongue.
how jolly Ibever thev icem at prefent, it
may be when thac qaeltion they are fo
willing to rake for granted, is by death
draw ng near a decilion , fome of their
coiifideiice wi 1 retire , and leave them
in an amazed expect! ation of iomwhat,
winch th.y arc lUre cannot be good for
them, who have fo ill provided for it.
Then perhaps their merry vein will fail
thcni, and iiot their infidelity, but their
delpair may keep them from invoca-
ting tliat Power they have fo long deri-
ded. Tis certain it has fo happened with
fome : for as Pradlical , fo Speculative
wickednefs , has ufiially another afped:,
Avhen it Hands in the fhadow of death,
then in the dazling beams of health and
vigor. It would therefore be wifdom
before hand to draw it out of this de-
ceitful hgiitjand by fober ferious thoughts,
place It as near as may be in thofe circum-
llances in which twill then appear: and
then fure to hearts that are not wholly
petrifi ^d, twill feem fafer to own a God
early and upon choice , then late upon
comp'ilfion.
19 However if they will not yield
theitilelves Homagers , yet the mere
poflibihty of their being in the wrong,
ftould
Sect. III. Of Athetftical T>ijcotirfe, 37
fhould methinks perfwade them at leaft
to be civil adverfaiies. A generous man
will not piirfue even a falling enemy with
revilings and reproch , much lefs will a
wife man do it to o\\^ who is in any the
left probability of revenging it : it being
a received Maxim, That there is no grea-
ter folly then for a man to let his tongue
betray him to mifchief. Let it there-
fore in this cafe at left ftand neuter , that
if by their words they be not juftified,
yet by their words they may not be con-
demned. They can be no loofers by it :
for at the utmoft, tis but keeping in a
little unfavory breath, which ( fuppoling
no God to be offended with it ) is yet
naufeous to all thofe men who believe
there is one. To thofe indeed who have
a zeal for their faith > there can be no
Difcourfe ^o intolerable , fo difobliging :
it turns converfation into skirmifliing,
and perpetual difputes. The Egyptians
were fo zealous for their brutiili Dei-
ties, that Mofes prefumed the Ifraelites
facrificing of thofe beafts they adored,
muft needs fet them in an uproar, Exod.
8. 26, And fure thofe who do acknow-
ledg a Divine power , cannot conten-
tedly fit by to heare him blafphemed.
Tis
^8 The Government of the Tongue.
Tis true there are Ibme io cool , that
they are of the fame mind for God, that
Gideons father was for BaaU Judg. 6. 31.
Let him plead for himfelj\ they will not 1
appear in his defence : yet even thefe have
a fecret confcioufnefs , that they ought to '
do fOj and therefore have fome uneafi-
nefs in being put to the Telt : fo that it
cannot be a plcafant entertainment even
for them. And therefore thofe who have
no fear of God to reltrain them, Ihould
niethinks, unlefs they be perfe(3:ly of the
temper of the unjuft Jndg, Luke 1 7. i. in
refpedt of men abltain from all forts of
impious difcourfe •, and at leall be civil,
tho they will not be pious.
Se c
T..
S E c T . I V. OfDetramon. 3p
Sect. IV.
Of DetraSiiort.
WE have feen in the laft Secftion
the infolence of the Tongue to-
wards God i and fare we cannot expedt
it fliould pay more reverence to men.
If there be thofc that dare ftretch their
mouths aga'mH heaven , Pfalm 7.39. we
are not to wonder if there be more that
will shoot their arrows^ even bitter iz'ords^
againft the beft on earth , Pfalm 64. 3.
I lliall not attemt to ranfack the whole
quiver, by fliewing every particular fort
of verbal injuries which relate to our
Neighbors, but rather chufe out fomefew,
which either for the extraordinarinefs of
their guilt > or the frequency of their pra-
ctice are the mod eminent. I begin
with *T>etra6iion ^ in which both thofe
qualities concur : for as in fome inftan-
ces tis one of the higheft fins, fo in the
general tis certainly one of the mod:
common , and by being {o becomes in-
fen-
_^_ \]
40 The Government of the Tongue. j
fenfible. This vice (above all others)
leems to have maintained not only its
Empire , but its reputation too. Men
are not yet convinced heartily that it is
a fin : or if any j not of fo deep a die, |
or fo Wide an extent as indeed it is.
I'hey have if not falle , yet imperfedt
notions of it, and by not knowing how
far its Circle reaches , do often like
young Conjurers itep beyond the limits
of their fafcty.
This I am the apter to believe, be-
caufe I fee fome degree of this fault cleave
tothofe, who have eminently corred:ed
all other exorbitancies of the Tongue.
Many who would ftartle at an Oath,
w^hofe ftomachs as well as confciences re-
coil at an obfcenity, do yet Aide glibly
into a Detradlion: which yet methinks
pcrfons otherwile of ftridt converfations
ihould not do frequently and habitually,
had not their eafy thoughts of the guilt
fmoothed the way to it.
It may therefore be no unkind at-
temt , to try to difentangle from this
fnare by diTplaying it •, fliewing the whole
contexture of the fin , how tis woven
with thrcds of dilTerent fi/cs , yet the
leait of tliem ftrong enough to nooze
and
S E c T . I V. Of T>etramon. 41
and intrap us. And alas , if Satan fetter
us , tis indifferent to him whether it be
by a cable or a hair. Nay perhaps the
fmalleft fins are his greatelt ftratagems.
The finer his line isfpun, the lefs shadow
it cafts, and is lefs apt to fright us from
the hook : and tho there be much odds
between a talent of lead and a grain of
fand, yet thole grains may be accumu-
lated till they out-weigh the talent. It
was a good reply of Tlato's ^ to one
who murmured at his reproving him for
a fmall matter , Cuftom faies he , u no
fmall matter. And indeed fuppofing a-
ny fin were fo fmall as we are willing to
fancy moil, yet an indulgent habit even
of that would be certainly ruinous : that
indulgence being perfecilly oppofite to
the Love of God , which better can con-
filt with the indeliberate commiffions
of many fins, then with an allowed per-
filtance in any one.
B u T in this matter of Detraftion I
cannot yield that any is fmall, fave only
comparatively with fome other of the
fame kind which is greater: for abfo-
lutely confidered , there is even in the
very loweft degrees of it , a flat contra-
didtion to the grand rule of Charity,
F the
42 The Government of the Tongue.
the loving our neighbor as our felves.
And furely that which at once violates
the fum of the whole lecond Table
of the Law , for fo our Savior renders
it,Luk. lo. 7. mull be lookt on as no
trifling inconfidcrable guilt. To evi-
dence this 1 shall in the Anatomizing
this fin apply this Rule to every part
of it: firft confider it inGrofs^in its en-
tire body , and after dcfccnd to its feve-
ral limbs.
1. Detraction in the native
importance ot the word , fignifies the
withdrawing or taking off from a things
and as it is applied to the reputation,
it denotes the impairing or leffening a
man in point of fame, rcndringhim lefs
valued and eftcemed by others, which
is the final aim of Detradion , tho pur-
fued by various means.
2. This is juftly lookt on as one of
the molt unkind defigns one man can
have upon another, there being im-
planted in every mans nature a great
tcndcrnefs of Reputation : and to be care-
lefs of it , is lookt on as a mark of a De-
gene rous mind. On which account Solon
in his Laws prefumes, that he that will
fell his own fame ^ will alfo fell the pub-
lic
Sect. IV. OfT>etra6lion. 43
lie intercit. Tis true, mauy have un-
proved this too far , blown up this
native fpark into fuch flames of Am-
bition , as has ^Qt the world in a com-
bnftioil J Such as Kyilexander , Cefar ,
and others , who facrificed Hecatombs to
their Fame, fed it up to a prodigy
upon a Canibal diet , the flesh of Men:
yet even thefe exccfles ferve to evince the
univerfal confent of mankind, that Re-
putation is a vaUiable and defireable
thing.
3. Nor have we only the fuffrage
of man , but the atteftation of God him-
lelf, who frequently in Scripture gives
tefl:imony to it; xji good name is better
then great riches^ Prov. 22.1. And again,
A good name is better then freciom oint-
ment, Ecclef. 7. i. And the more to re-
commend it, he proposes it as a reward
to piety and vertue , as he menaces the
contrary to wickednefs. The memory of
thejuft shall be hlejjed^ but the name of the
wicked shall rot. Prov. 10. 7. And that we
may not think this an invitation fitted
only to the Jewish Oeconomy , theApo-
fl:le goes farther , and propofes the en-
deavor after it as a duty. Whatsoever
things are of good report , if there be any
F 2 'vertue
4+ The Government of the Tongue.
'Vtrtne ^ and tj there he any ^praife^ think
on thefe things. Phil. 4. 8.
4. A N D accordingly good men have'
in their eftimate ranked their names the
next degree to their Soals , preferred
them before goods or life. Indeed tis
that which gives us an inferior fort of
Immortality 5 and makes us even in this
world furvive our felves. This part of
us alone continues verdant in the grave,
and yields a perfume j when we are Itench
and rottennefs : the confideration where-
of has fo prevailed with the more gene-
rous Heathens , that they have cheerfully
quitted hfe in contemplation of it. Thus
Epaminondas alacrioully expired , in con-
fidence that he left behind him a per-
petual memory of the vid:ories he had
atchieved for his Country. Brutus fo
courted the fame of a Patriot, that he
brake thro all the obftacles of gratitude
and humanity to attain it : he clieerfuUy
bare the defeat of his attemt , in contem-
plation of the glory of it. Twere endlefs to
recount the ftories of the Codri , T^ecii ,
and Citrtti , with the train of thofe noble
Heroes, who in behalf of their Countries
devoted themfelves to certain death.
f. But we need no foireign Medi^
• urns
Sect. IV. Of T)etra5iion. 45
urns to dilcover tiie value of a good
name : let every man weigh it but in his
own fcales, retire to his breaft , and
there refled: on that impatience he has
when his own repute is invaded. To what
dangers, to what guilts do's fometimes
the mere fancy of a reproch hurry men?
It makes them really forfeit that vertue
from whence all true reputation iprings,
and like Efops dog loofe the fubftance
by too greedy catching at the shadows
an irrefragable proof how great a price
they fet upon their fame.
6. A N D then fince reafon icts it at
fb high a rate, and paflion at a higher,
we may conclude the violating thisinte-
reft , one of the greatcft injuries in hu-
man commerce; fuch as is relented not
only by the rash, but the fober: fothat
we muft pick out only blocks and ftones,
the ftupid and infenfible part of man-
kind , if we think we can inflidt this
wound without an aiBi(3:ive fmart. And
tho the power of Chriftianity do's in-
fbme fo moderate this refentment, that
none of thefe blows shall recoile,no de-
gree of revenge be attemted 3 yet that
do's not at all juftify or excufe the in
flicSer. It may indeed be a ufeful trial
of
46 The Government of the Tongue.
of the patience, and meeknefsof the de-
famed , yet the detainer has not the left
either ot crime or danger: not of crime,
for that is rather enhanced then aba-
ted by the goodnefs of the perfon injur'd;
nor of danger, fmce God is the more
immediate avenger of thole who attemt
not to be their own. Bat if the injury
meet not with this meeknels ( as in this
vindidive age tis manifold odds it will
not ) it then acquires another accumula-
tive guilt. Hands anfwerable not only
for its own poiitive ill, but for all the
accidental which it caufesin thefufferer,
who by this means is rob'd not only of
his repute , but his innocence alfo , pro-
voked to thofe unchriltian returns , which
draw God alfb into the enmity, and
fet him at once at war with heaven and
earth. Andtho as to his immediate judg-
ment, he muft bear his iniquity, anfwer
for his impatience : yet as in all Civil
infurre(3:ions the ring-leader is lookt on
with a peculiar feverity, fo doubtlefs
in this cafe, thefirft provoker has by his
feniority and primogeniture a double
portion of the guilt, and may conle-
quently cxped: of the Punishment, ac-
cording to the Doom oi our Savior,
Wo
Sect. IV. OfT>etra6tion. 47
fVoe be to that man by whom the offence
cometh. Mat. 18. 7.
8. Indeed there is fuch a train of
mifchiefs ufually follow this fin , that tis
fcarce poffible to make a full eftimate
of its mahgnity. Tis one of the grand
incendiaries which difturbs the peace of
the world, and has a great fliare in molt
of its quarrels. For could we examine
all the feuds which harrafs Perfons, Fa-
milies 5 nay fometimes Nations too , we
fliould find the greater part cake their
rife from injurious rcprochful words ,
and that for one which is commenced
upon the intuition of any real confide-
rable interett , there are many which owe
their being to this licentioufnefs of the
Tongue.
5>. I N regard therefore of its proper
guilt, and all thofe remoter fins and
miferies which enfue it, tis every mans
great concern to watch over himfelf.
Neither is it lefs in reiped: both of that
univerfal aptnefs we have to this fin ,
and its being fo perpetually at hand , that
for others we muft attend occafions and
convenient feafons , but the opportunities
of this are alwaies ready: I can do my
neighbor this injury , when I can do him
no
48 1 he Government of the Tongue.
no other. Belides the multitude ot objects
do proportionably multiply both the pof-
fibilities and incitations y and the objects
here arc as numerous, as there are Per-
sons in the world, I either know, or
have heard of. For tho fome forts of
Detractions feem confined to thofe to
whom we bear particular maHce, yet
there are other kinds of it more ranging,
which tly indifferently at all. Laltly this
fin has the aid almoit of univerfal example,
which is an advantage beyond all theo-
thers, there being fcarce any fo irrefiftable
infinuation as the pradiceof thofe with
whom we converfe, and no lubjed: of
converle (o common as the defaming our
neighbors.
10. Since then the path is fo flippery,
it had not need be dark too. Let us then
take m the bell light we can , and atten-
tively viQW this fin in its fever al branches,
that by a diftind: difcovery of the divers
ads and degrees of it , we may the better
be armed againlt them all.
Sect
S E c T. V. Of Lymg Defamation, 49
Sect. V.
Of Lying Defamation.
i.T^ETRACTION being (as
J[^^vve have already faid) the lefs-
ning and impairing a man in his repute,
we may reloive, that what ever condu-
ces to that end , is properly a Detracti-
on. I fliall begin iwith that which is
nioft eminent, the Spreading of Defama-
tory reports. Thefe may be of two kinds,
either falfe , or true : which tho they
feem to be of very different complexi-
ons 5 yet may fpring from the fame Itock,
and drive at the iame defign. Let us
firft confider of the falfe.
2. And this admits of various cir-
cumftances. Sometimes a man invents a
perfe<3: falfity of another •, fometimes he
that do's not invent it, yet reports it , tho
he know it to be falie ^ and a third fort
there are , who having not certain know-
ledg whether it be falfe or no, do yet
divulge it as an abfolute certainty, or at
G leaft
fo The Government of the Tongue.
leallwith Tach artificial infinuations, as
may biafs the hearer on that hand. The
former of thele is a crime of fo high, fo
difingcnuous a nature , that tho many-
are vile enough to commit it, none are
fo impudent as to avow it. Even in
this age of infulting vice, when almoft
all other wickednels appears bare-fac'd,
this is feign to keep on the vizard. No
man will own himfelf a falfe accufer : for
if modeily do not reftrain him, yet his
very malice will ; fiiice to confefs would
be to defeat his defign. Indeed it is of
all other fins 'the molt Diabolical , it be-
ing a conjunction of two of Satans moll
eflfential properties , Malice and Lying.
We know tis his peculiar title to be tf:?e
i^ccufer of the brethren : and when we
tranfcribe his copy, we alfo afllime his
nature, intitleour ielves to a defcent from
him, Te are af your Father the 'Devil ^
Joh. 8.44. We are by it rendered a fort
of Inciibm brats , the infamous progenies
of the Lying fpirit. It is indeed a fin of fo
grofs, fo formidable a bulk, that there
needs no help of Optics to render it dif-
cernable > and therefore I need not far-
ther expatiate on it.
3. The next degree is not much
fliort
S E c T. V. Of Lying T>efamition. 5 r
fhort of it ; what it wants is rather of
invention then malice: for he that will
fo adopt anothers lie, Ihews he would
willingly have bin its proper Father. It
do's indeed differ no more then the maker
of adulterate wares , do's from the vender
of them : and certainly there cannot be a
more ignominious trade, then the be
ing Huckfters to fuch vile Merchandize,
Neither is the fin lefs then the bafenefs :
we find the Lover of a lie ranked in an
equall form of guilt with the Maker
Rev. 21. And fuiely he muft be prefu-'
med to love it, that can defcend to be
the broker to it , help it to pafs current
in the world.
4. The third fort of Detradlors look
a little more demurely , and with the
woman in the Proverbs, Chap. 30. wife
their mouths , and fay they have don no
wickednef.. They do not certainly know
the fallity of what they report, and
their ignorance muft ferve them as an
Amulet againft the guilt both of decei.
and mahce : but 1 fear it will do neithert
For firft perhaps they are affededly i-
gnorant : they are fo willing it fhould
be true, that they have not atcemtedto
examine it. But Secondly it do's not
G 2 fuffice
51 The Government of the Tongue.
futHce that i do not know the faility;
for to make me a true fpeaker, tis ne-
ceflary I know the truth of what I affirm.^
Nay if the thing were never fo true, yet it
I knew It not to be fo , its truth will not
fecur« me trom being a liar : and there-
fore whoever endeavors to have that vz-
ceiv'd for a certai nty, which himfelf knows
not to be fo , ollends againlt truth. The
iitmoll that can confiit with fincerity,is
to reprefent it to others as doubtful as
it appears to iiim. Yet even that how
conlonant loever to truth , is not to Cha-
rity. Even doubtful acculations leave a
ftain behind them, and often prove in-
dcleble injuries to the party accufed : how
much more then do the more pofitive
and confident afpcrlions we have hither,
to fpoken of .^ Let me add only this
concerning tJiis later fort , that they are
greater advancers of Defamatory defignsj
then the very firit contrivers. For thole
upon a confcioufncfs of their falfenefs
are obliged to proceed cautioully , to
pick out the credulous and lead difcern-
ing perlons , on whom to impofe their
fidtions, and dare not produce them in
all companies for fear of detedion : but
thefein confidence that the untruth (if it
be
\
Sect. V . Of Lying 'Defamation, 53
be one) lies not at their door, fpeak it
without any reitraint in all places , at all
times ; and what the others are tain to
whifper , they proclame , like our new En-
gine , which preten is to convey a whilper
many miles otf . So that as in the cafe of
Stealing tis proverbially laid , that if
there were no receivers there would be
no thieves i fo in this of Slander , if there
were fewer fp readers , there would be
fewer forgers of Libels: the manufadiure
would be difcouragcd 5 if it had notthefe
retailers to put oft the wares.
f. Now to apply thele practices to
our rule of duty , there will need no ve-
ry dole infpedtion to difcern the ob-
liquity. The molt fuperficial glance will
evidence thele feveral degrees of Slan-
derers to do v/hat they would not be
willing to fuffer. Who among them
can be content to be falfely afperfed.^ Nay
fo far are they from that , that let but the
ihadow oftheir own calumny refled: on
themlelv^es , let any but truly tell them
that they have f ilfely accufed others , they
grow raving and impatient , like a dog
at a looking glals , fiercely combating
that image which himlelf creates : and
hov/ linoothly foever the original lie Hides
from
54 The Government of the Tongue.
from them , ' the Echo of it grates their
ears. And indeed tis oblervable, that
thofe who make the greatelt havock of
other mens reputation , are the moft
nicely tender of their own ; which iets
this fin of calumny in a moft Diametrical
oppofition to the Evaiigehcal precept of
Loving ournetgh'jors as our f elves,
6, Thus much isdiicernable even in
the furface of the crime; but if we look
deeper andexammethe motives , we fliall
find the foundation well agrees to the
fuperftrufture , they being ulually one of
thele twoj Malice or Intereft. And indeed
the thing is lo difingenuous , fo contra-
ry to the didrates of Humanity as well
as Divinity, that I mull in reverence to
our common nature, prefume it muft be
ibmc very forcible impellent j that can
drive a man fb far from himielf. The
Devil here plaies the Artift : and as the
fataleft poifons to man are ( they fay }
drawn from human bodies , fo here he
extra(3:s the venem of our Irafcible and
Concupiicible part, and in it dips thole
arrows , which we thus flioot at one a-
nother.
7. Tis needlefsto harangue feverally
upon each. The world too experiment
tally
Sect. V. Of Lying defamation. ff
tally knows the force of both. Malice is
that whirlwind, which has jfhook States
and Families j no leis then private Per-
fons-, a paffion fo impetuous and preci-
pitate , that it often equally involves the
Agent and the Patient : a malicious
man being of like violence with thole
who flung in the three Children , Dan. 3.
confumed by thofc flames into which he
caft others. As for Intereft , tis that
univerfal Monarch to which all other
Empires are Tributaries, to which men
facrifice not only their Confciences and
Innocence, but ( what is ufually much
dearer 3 their Senfualities and Vices.
Thofe whom all the Divine ( either )
threats or promifes , cannot perfwade to
mortify^ any^Dut reltrain one Luftj at
Mammons beck will difclame many >
and force their inclinations to comply
with their intereft.
8. And whilft this fin of Calumny
has two fuch potent Abettors , we are not
to wonder at its growth: as long as men
are malicious and defigning, they will
be traducing i thofe Cyclops's will be
perpetually forging Thunderbolts, a-
gainft which no innocence' or vertue
can be proof. And alas we daily find
too
y6 The Government of the Tongue.
too great efFed: ot their ii;iJ[ aft ry. Bat tho
theie are the forgers of the more lolemn
deliberate calumnies , yer this fportive
age harh produc-jd another fort, there
being men that dv^tame others by way
of diveiti(ement-. invent httie itories that
they may find themleivcs exercife, and
the Town talk. This if itmait pafsfor
iport 5 is fuch as Solomon delcribes , Prov.
26. 18, 19. K^s a mad man that cafleth
jircbraiids ^ arro'jvs a?>d death, fo u he
that dccei'Vcth his neighbor , and faith ^ am
not I infport ? He tliat (hoots an arrow-
in jeft, may kill a man in earneft; and
he chat gives himfeif hbcrty to play with
his neighbors tame, may foon play it
away. Moft men have fuch an aptnefs
to entertain fmifter opinions of others ,
that they greedily draw in anyfuggeftion
of that kind •, and one may as ealily per-
I'wade the thirfty earth to refund the wa-
ter (he has fuckt into her veins , as them
to depo(ite a prejudice they have once
taken up. Therefore fuch experiments
upon fame, are as dangerous as that
which Alexander is faid to have made of
the force of Naprha upon his Page,
from which he Icarce efcaped with Hfe.
Thele jocular (landers are often as
milchie-
Sect. V. Of Lying ^Defamation. 57
mifchievous as thofe of deeper deiigiij
and have from the llightnefs of the tem-
tation an enhancement of guilt. For
lure he that can put fuch an intereft of
his neighbors in balance with a little fit. of
laughter , lets it at a lower price then he
that hopes to enrich or advance him-
felf by it : and tho it pafs among fome
for a Ipecimen of Wit, yet it really
lifts them among Solomons fools who
maken mock at fin ^ Prov. 14. ^. In the
mean time lince flander is a plant that
can grow in all foils, fince the frolick
humor as ,well as the morole betraies to
the guilt who can hope to efcaps chis
Scourge of the Tongue , as the Wifeman
calls It, Ec. 26.6. which communicates
with all. Perfons of all ranks do mutually
afperle , and are afperfed : fo that he who
would not have his credulity abu fed, has
fcarce a fecurer way , then ( like that
Aftrologer, who made his Almanack
give a tolerable account of the weather
by a dire(3: inverlion of the common
prognofticators, } to let his belief run
quite counter to reports. Yea lo Epi-
demic is this dileafe grown, that even
rehgion (at leaft thole parties and fa-
i^ions which aflTume that name) has got
H "a
58 The Government of the Tongue.
a taint of it j each fedt or opinion feek-
ing toreprefent its Antagoniit as odious
as it can. And whilft they contend for
fpeculative truth, they by mutual calum-
nies forfeit the pradlic: a thing that
juftly excites the grief of good men, to
lee that thofe who all pretend to the fame
Chriftianity , fhould only be unanimous
in the violating that truth and Charity
it prefcribes.
10. And if thefe be the weapons of
our fpiritual warfare , what may we think
of the carnal ? How are our fecular ani-
mofities purfued , when our Speculations
are thus managed? How eafily do we
run down the reputation of any who
Hand in the way , either of our fpleen or
avarice? When Jofephs refolute purity
had changed the fcene of his Miftrefs*s
paffion , she do's as readily shift that of
guilt too 5 and fixes her crime upon him,
Gen. 39. 14. So when Ziba had a mind to
wndoivminQ Mephihoshethinhis eftate, he
fir!l practices upon his fame in a falfe
acculacion, 2 Sam. 16. 3. And alas how
familiarly do we now fee both thefe fcenes
readied? Thofe who will not take vice
into their bofoms, fhall yet have it be-
fpatter their faces: they who will not run
to
Sect. V. Of Lying Defamation, fp
to the fame excefs of riot , mull exped:
to be evil fpoken of, i Pet. 4. 4. Nay
not only pious men , but piety it felf par-
takes of the fame fate , falls under the
two edg'd flander both of deceit and fol-
ly. And if men cannot be permitted
quietly to enjoy their piety , much lefs
will theythofe things whereof the world
hath more guft , I mean fecular advan-
tages. There are ttill crimes to be dif-
covered in the pofleflbrs of honors or E-
ftates, and they wonderfully excite the
zeal of thofe who would lupplant them.
What artifices are there to make them ap-
pear unworthy of what they have , that
others more unworthy may fiicceed them?
Nor are thefe ftorms only in the upper
region j in the higher ranks of men; but
if we pafs thro all degrees , we fhall find
the difference is rather in the value of
the things, then in the means of purfuing
them. He that pretends tothe meaneft
office do's as ftudioufly difparage his com-
petitor, as he that is rivaled for a king-
dom. Nay even he that has but a merry
humor to gratify , makes no fcruple to do
it with the lofs of another mans reputa-
tion.
II. Thus
6o The Government of the Tongue. '
11. Thus do wc accomodate every
petty temporal intereft at the coft of our
eternal ; and as an unskilful Fencer, whilft
he is purfuing his thruft , expofes his bodyj
fb whilll wethusadtuateourownmahce,
wc abandon our ielves to Satans , receive
mortal wounds from him , only that we
may give a few light fcratches to onea-
nother. For as I have before faid , there
is nothing do's more fccurc his title to
us 5 then this viceof Calumny , it bearing
his propL^r imprefs and figure. And we
may fear Chrijl will one day make the
fame Judgment of Perfons as he did of
coin, and award them to him whole /-
mage aud Suferfcripion they hear ^ Mat.
22. 20.
12. And now how great a madnefs is
it to make coilly oblations to fo vile an
Idol ? This is indeed the worfhiping our
own Imaginations, preferring a mahcious
fiction before a reall felicity : and is but
faintly refembled by him > who is faid to
have cholen to part with his Bifliopric >
rather then burn his Romance. Alas
are there not grofs corporal fins e-
nough to ruine us , but mult we have
aereal ones too , damn our jfelves with
Chimera's , and by thele forgeries of our
brains
S E c T . V . Of Lying T>efamation. 6 1
brains dream our lelves to deftrucftion ?
13. Let all thofe then who thus un-
happily employ their inventive faculty,
timely confider , how unthriving a trade
tis finally like to prove, that all their
falfe accufations of others will rebound
in true ones upon themfel ves. It do's often
fo in this world , where many times the
moft clandeftine contrivances of this
kind meet with dete(9:ion: or if they
fliould happen to keep on the difguile
here , yet twill infallibly be torn off at
the great day of manifeltation , when be-
fore God , Angels , and Men , they will
be render'd infinitly more vile , then twas
poffible for them here to make others.
Sec
T.
62 The Government of the Tongue.
Se c t. VI
Of Vncharitablc Truth.
I. TN the next place we are to confi-
j|^ der of the other branch of Defama-
tory reports , viz. fuch as are true : which
tho they niuit be confeft to be of a low-
er form of guilt then the former, yet as
to the kind , they equally agree in the de-
finition of Detra(9:ion , fince tis poflible
to impair a mans credit by true reports as
well as by falfe.
2. To clear this Ilhall firft obferve,
that altho every fault hath forae penal
efFedl which are coetaneous to the adt,
yet this of Infamy is not fo : this is a more
remote confequent 5 that which it imme-
diatly depends upon , is the pubhlhng.
A man may do things which to God
and his own confcience render him abo-
minable, and yet keep his reputation
with men : but when this ftifled crime
breaks out , when his iecred guilts are de-
tected J then , and not till then , he be-
Comes infamous : fo that altho his fin be
the
Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth. 63
the Material , yet it is the difcovery that
is the Formal caule of his Infamy.
3. This being granted, it follows
that he that divulges an unknown con-
celed fault, (lands accountable for all the
confequences that flow from that di*
vulging J but whether accountable as for
guilt, muft be determined by the parti-
cular circumftances of the caufe. So that
here we muft admit of an exception: for
tho every difcovery of anothers fault be
in the ftrid: natural fenfe of the word
a Detraelion , yet it will not alwaiesbe the
fin of Detraftion,becaufe in fome inftances
there may fome higher obligation inter-
vene , and fuperfede that we ow to the
fame of our neighbor-, and in thofe cafes
it may not only be lawful , but neceflary
to expofe him.
4. N o w all fuch cafes I conceive may
fummarilybe reduced to two heads, Ju-
ftice and Charity. Firft as to Juftice : that
we know vs^ a fundamental vertue , and
he that fhall violate that , to abound in
another , is as abfur'd , as he that under-
mines the foundation to raife the walls.
We are not to fteal to give alms , and
Godhimfelf has declared that he hates
robbery for a burnt-oifering : fo that no
pretence
$4* The Government of the Tongue.
pretence either of Chanty or Piety can
abfolve us from the duty we ow to Ju-
ftice. Now it may often fall out , that
by concehng one mans tault, I may be
injurious to another, nay to a whole
community : and then I afllime the guilt
I concelc, and by the Laws both of
God and Man am judged an acceffory.
f. And as Jultice toothers enforces,
fo Ibmctimes [u it ice to a mans felf al-
lows the publilliing of a fliult, when a
confiderablcinterclt either ot fame or for-
tune cannot otherwife be refcued. But
to make loud outcries of injury, when
they tend nothing to the reprefs of
it , is a liberty rather aflumed by rage
and impatience, then authorized by Ju-
ltice. Nay often in that cafe the corn-
plainer is the mod injurious Perfon; for
he intlid:s more then he fuffers , and in
lieu of fome trivial right of his which
is invaded , he aflaults the other in a
nearer intereft , by wounding him in his
good name: but if the caule be confide-
rable and the manner regular , there
lies fure no obligation upon any man
to wrong himfelf , to indulge to ano-
ther.
6. Neither do's Charity retrench
this
Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth, 65
this liberty : for tho it be one acit of
Charity to concele another mans faults,
yet fometimes it may be inconfiftent
with fome more important Charity ,
which I owe to a third Peribn, or per-
haps to a Multitude 5 as in thofe cafes
wherein public benefit is concern'd. If
this were not allowable, no Hiftory
could lawfully be written , fince if true,
it cannot but recount the faults of many:
no evidence could be brought in againft
a Malefaftor : and indeed all difcipline
would be fubverted • which would be fo
great a mifchief , that Charity obliges
to prevent it, what Defamation foever
fall upon the guilty by it* For in fuch
inftances tis a true r^le 5 that mercy to
the evil proves cruelty to the innocent.
And as in a competition of mifchiefs we
are to chule the leaft , fo of two goods
the greatell: , and the more extenfive 5 is
the mod eligible.
/.Nay even that Charity which re-
fledts upon my felf ^ may alfo fometimes
fuperfede that to my neighbor , the rule
obliging me to love him as, not better
then my lelf. I need not fure filently
afient to my own unjuft Defamation for
fea^ of proving another afalfe accufer,
I nor
66 The Government of the Tongue.
nor Tuffer my felf to be made a beggar,
to concele another mans being a thief.
Tis true in a great inequality ofinterefts.
Charity (whole Character it is. Not to
feek her o-mn i Cor. 13. f. ) will promt
me to prefer a greater concern of my
neighbors before a Ihght one of my
own : but in equal circumftances I am
fure at hberty to be kind firft to my
felf. If I will recede even from that , I
may; but that is then to be account-
ed among the Heroic flights of Cha-
rity , not her binding and indifpenfible
Laws.
8. Having now iet the bound-
aries to the excepted cafes •, as all in-
itances within them will be legitimated,
lb ail without them will ( by the known
rule of exceptions ) be precluded , and
fall under that general duty we owe to
our neighbor , of tendering his credit ;
a^ obligation fo Univerfally infringed,
that tis not imaginable the breach fhould
alwaies happen within the excepted ca-
fes. When t!S remembred how unacStive
the principles of Juftice and Charity are
now grown iw the world , we muft cer-
tainly impute fuch inceflant efFed:s, to
Ibme more vigorous caufes : of which it
may
Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth 6j
may not be amiis to point out foineof
the moft obvious , and leave every man
to examine which of them he finds molt
operative in hmifelf.
9. In the firft place I may reckon
^ride^ a humor which as it is alwaies
mounting, fo it will make ufe of any
foot-ftool towards it rife. A man who
afFedts an extraordinary fplendor of re
putation , is glad to find any foils to iet
him ofFj and therefore will let no fault
nor folly of anothers enjoy the fhade ,
but brings it into the open light , that
by that companion, his own excellences
may appear the brighter. I dare appeal
to the brealt-'of ar y proud man, whether
he do not upon fuch occafions , delight to
make fome Pharifaical retiediions on
himfelf , whether he be not apt to fay, /
am not like other men , or as this Tnblican ,
Luke 18. tho probably he leave out the
God I thank thee. Now he that cherifhes
fuch refentaients as thefe in himfelf,
will doubtlefs be willing to propagate
them to other men, and to that end
render the blemiflies of others as vifible
as he can. But this betraies a degene-
rous fpirit, which from a confcioii fnefs
that he wants folid worth , on which to
I 2 bottom
68 The Government of the Tongue.
bottom a reputation , is tain to found it
on the mines of other mens. The true
Diamond fparkles even in the funfhine:
tisbuta glow-worm vertue, that ows its
luiter to the darknefs about it.
lo. Another promter to Detra-
d:ion is Envy ^ which fomctimes is par-
ticular, fometimes general. He that has
a pique to another, would have him j
as hateful to all mankind as he is to him;
and therefore as he griev's and repines
at any thing that may advance his efti-
mation , fo he exults and triumphs when
any thing occurs which may deprefs it ,
and is ufually very induftrious to im-
prove the opportunity , nay has a llrange
fagacity in hunting it out. No vul-
ture do's more quickly fcent a carcals ,
then an envious Perfon do's thofe dead
flies which corrupt his neighbors oint-
ment, Ecclef, lo. I. the vapor whereof
his hate, like a Itrong wind , fcatters and
difperfes far and near. Nor needs he
any great crime to prad:ice on : every lit-
tle infirmity or paflion , lookt on thro
his Optics, appears amountianousguilt.
He can improve the leaft fpeck or frec-
kle into a leprofy, which fhall over-
ipread the whole man : and a cloud no %-
get
Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable truth, 6p
ger then a mans hand^ like that oiElisha^
I Kings i8. 44. may in an inftant, with
the help of prejudice, grow to the utter
darkning of the brighteil reputation , and
fill the whole horizon with tempeft and
horror. Sometimes this Envy is gene-
ral, not confin'd to any mans perfon,
but diffiifed to the whole nature. Some
tempers there are fo malign , that they
wish ill to all , and believe ill of all ; like
Timon the Athenian, who profeft him-
felf a univerfal man-hater. He whofe
guilty confcience refleds difmal images
of himfelf; is willing to put the fame
ugly shape upon the whole nature, and
to conclude that all men are the fame,
were they but clofely infpe(3:ed. And
therefore when he can fee but the leaft
glimmering of a fault in any , he takes it
as a proof of his Hypothefis > and with
an envious joy calls in as many fpedla-
tors as he can. Tis certain there arc
fome in whoie ears nothing founds fo
harlh as the commendation of another ,
as on the contrary nothing is fo melodi-
ous as a Defamation. Tlutarch gives an
apt inftance of this upon AriHides\ ba-
nifliment , whom when a mean Perfon
had propos'd to Oftracifm , being askt
what
70 The Government of the Tongue.
what difplefure i^rijiides had dun him>
he replied , None , fiejtber do I know
him^ but it grieves rm- ^o hear every body
call him a jttfi mayi. I tear fume of
our keencil accufers now a daies Jiiay
give the fame anfwer. No man that is
eminent f jr Piety ( or indeec! but mo-
ral vercLie ) but h.' lliall ha^^e many in-
fidious eies upon Wina "juatching for his
halting : and if any the leait obliquity
can be efpied, he is ufed worfe riien the
vileft malefadtor : for fuch are tried but
at one bar , and know the utmoft of
their doom ; but thefe are arraigned at
every Table, in every Tavern. And at
fuch variety of Judicacures, there will
be as ^r \.c /ariety of fentences i only
they c.jmmonly concur in this one, that
he IS an Hypocrite, and ti'eri what com-
placency, what trtumph have they m fuch
a difcovery ? Th:'re iS not half fo much
Epicurifm in any of their moft ftuctied
luxuries , no fpedacle affords them fo
much plefure , as a bleeding fame thus
lying at their mercy.
1 1 . Another fort of Detraftors there
are, whofe defigiies are not fo black,but are
equally mean and fordid, much too light
to be put in balance with a neighbors
Cre-
Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth. 7 1
Credit. Of thofe fome will pick up all
the little (lories they can get , to humor
a Patron : an artifice well known by
thofe trencher guefts , who , like Rats ,
ftill haunt the beft Provifions. Thefe
men do alraoft come up to a literal
liQniQ of what the Tfalmtsf fpoke in a
figurative, Pfam. 14. and eat up people
for bread y tear and worry men m their
good names, that themlelves may eat.
It was a Curfe denounced againft Eli's
oifspnng , that they should come and
crouch for a morfel of bread i. Sam. 2.
3p. But fuch men court this as a pre-
ferment, and to bnng themfehcs with-
in the reach of it itick not to affiime
that vileft office of common Delators.
There are others who v/hen they have
got the knowledg of another mans fault,
think it an endearing thmg to whifper
it in the ear of lomc friend or confi-
dent. But fure if they muft needs fa-
crifice fome lecret to their triendfliip,
they Ihould take Davids rule, and not
offer that which coH them nothuig. If
they will exprefs their confidence , Jet
them acquaint them with their < v n ph-
vat crimes. That indeed would show
fomthing of truft : but thofe experiments
upon
72 The Government of the Tongue.
upon another mans colt , will hardly con-
vince any confidenng Perlon of their
kindnels. .
12. There ftill remains a yet more
trifling fort of Defamers , who have no
deUberate dcfign which they purfne in
it , yet are as alliduous at the Trade as
the deeper contrivers. Such are thofe
who piiblifh their neighbors faiUngs as
they read Gazers, only that they may
be teUingNcws: an Itch wherewith Ibme
peoples tongues are ftrangly over-run,
who can as well hold a glowing Coal in
their mouths, as keep any thing they
think New 5 nay will fometimes run them-
ielves out of breath , for fear leaft any
fliould fcrve them as Kylhmaaz, did Cu*
shi. 2. Sam. 18. 23. and tell the tale
before them. This is one of the moft
Childifli vanities imaginable : and fure
men muit have Souls of a very low le-
vel , that can think it a commenfurate
entertainment. Others there are who
ule Defamatory difcourie, neither for
the love of News , nor Defamation , but
purely for love of talk : whofe fpeech
like a flowing current bears away indifl
criminately whatever hes in its way And
indeed fuch incefiant talkers, areufually
peo-
Sect. VI Of Uncharitable Truth. 73
people noc of depth enough to liipply
themfelves out of their own ftore , and
therefore can let no forreign acceflion
pafs by them , no more then a Mill which
is alwaies going, can afford any waters
to run wait. 1 know we uleto call this
Talkativenefs a Feminine vice^ but to
Ipeak impartially , I think , tho we have
given them the inclofure of the Scandal,
they have not of the fault, and he that
iliall appropriate Loquacity to Women,
may perhaps fonietimes need to light
T)iogenes\ Candle to feek a man : for
tis poffible to go into Mafculine com«
pany, where twill be as hard to edg
in a word, as at a Femal Goffiping.
However as to this particular of Defa-
ming, both the Sexes leem to be at a
vye : and I think he were a very Cri-
tical Judg , that could determine between
them.
13. Now lead this later fort of
Defamers fliould be apt to ablblve
themlelves , as men of harmlefs inten-
tions, I fhall defire them to confider,
that they are only more impertinent,
not lels injurious. For tho it be grant-
ed, that the proud and envious are lo
niake a diftindl account for their pride
K and
7+ The Government of the Tongue.
and envyj yet as far as relates to the
Jieighbor, they are equally mifchievous,
Kyinncreon that was choaked with a
grape- ftonc, died as liirely as Julius Ce*
far with his three and twenty wounds ^
and a mans reputation may be as well
tbol'd and prattled away , as malicioufly
betruied. Nay perhaps more eafilyj for
where the fpeaker can leaft be furpe<fted
of delign , the hearer is apter to give him
Credit: this way of infinuating by fa*
miliar difcourfe , being like thole poifbns
that are taken in at the pores, which
are the molt infenfibly fucked in , and
the mofl impoflible to expel.
14. B u T we need not dtfpiite which
is worlt, fince tis certain all are bad,
none of them ( or any that hold pro-
portion with them ) being at all able to
pretend their warrant either from Ju-
Itice or Charity, And then what 6\xt
Savior faies in another cafe 5 will be ap-
pliable to this. He that vs not for us is
againji m. Mat. 12. 30. He that in pub-
lifinng his neighbors faults, ad:s not
upon the diftates oi: Juitice or Charity,
ad:s dired:ly in contradid:on to them:
for where they do not upon fome par-
ticular relpeCts command , they do im-
plicitly
Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Trdth, /f
plicitly and geuerally forbid all fiich dif*
coveries.
If. For firft if a fault divulged be
of a light nature, the oflfender cannot
thereby merit fo much , as to be made
a public difcourfe. Fame is a tender
thing, and feldom is toft and bandied
without receiving fome bruile , if not
a crack: for reports we know like fnow»
balls gather ftill the farther they roule,
and when I have once handed it to
another , how know 1 how he may
improve it , and if he deliv^er it fo ad-
vanced to a third, he may give his con-
tribution alfo to it , and fo in a fuccef-
five tranfmirting, it may grow to fuch a
monftrous bulk, as bears no proportion
to its Original. He mull be a great
ftranger to the world, that has not 'Ex-
perimentally found the truth of this.
How many perlbns have lain under
great and heavy fcandals , which have ta-
ken their firft rife only from fome in-
advertence or indifcretion? Of fo quick
a growth is Slander 5 that the Icaft grain,
like that of muftard feed , mentioned
Mat' 13.32. immediatly flioot^ up into
a tree. And when it is fo , it can no
more be reduced back into its firft caufe,
K 2 then
y6 The Government of the Tongue.
then a tree can (lirink into that little feed
from whence it firft fprang. No mines
are fo irreparable as thofe of reputation :
and therefore he that pulls out but one
ftone towards the breach , may do a
greater niilchief then perhaps he intends :
and a greater injultice too ; for by how
much the more ftridliy Jufticc obliges to
reparation in cale of injuries don , fo
much the more leverely do's it prohibit
the domg thofe injuries which are unca-
pabie of being repared. In the Leviti-
cai Law he that knew his ox was apt
to gore , and yet kept him not up,
flood refponfible for any mifchief he
happened to do, Exod. 21.29. I think
there is no confidering man can be ig-
norant how apt little trivial accufati-
ons are to teai and mangle ones fame:
and yet i{ the lavifh talker reftrain them
not, he certainly ftands accountable to
God, his Neighbor, and his own Con-
feiencc) for all the danger they pro-
cure.
16. But if the report concern fomc
higher and enormous crime, tis true the
delinquent may deferve the lefs pity,
yet perhaps the reporter may not de-
ferve the lefs blame : for often fuch a
dif-
Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth, yf
dilcovery lerves but to enrage, not re-
clame the offender, and precipitate him
into farther degrees of ill. Modefty and
fear of ihame , is one of thofe natural
reltraints, which the wifdom of God has
put upon mankind , and he that once
llumbles , may yet by a check of that
bridle recover again : but when by a
public deteftion he is fallen under that
infamy he fear'd, he will then be apt to
difcard all caution, and to think he ow's
himfelf the utmoft plefures of his vice,
as the price of his reputation Nay
perhaps he advances farther , and fcts
up for a reveril; fort of Fame , by being
eminently wicked : and he who before
was but a Clandeitine difciple, becomes
a Doctor of impiety. And fure it were
better to let a conceled crime remain in
its wiflit obfcurity, then by thus rouz-
mg It from its covert , bring it to Hand
at bay, and let it felf in this open defi-
ance ; efpecially in this dcgencrous age,
when vice has fo many well wiUers, that,
like a hoping party , they eagerly run into
any that will head them.
17. And this brings in a third confi-
deration relating to the public, to which
the divulging of private (efpecially if
they
78 The Government of the Tongue.
they be novel unufual ) crimes , do's but
an ill piece of fervice. Vice is contagi*
ous, and calls pefliiential vapors: and as
he that lliould bring out a plague-fick
Perfon, to inform the world of his dif-
eafe , would be thought not to have
much befriended his neighborhood, fo
he that difplaies thefc vicious Ulcers,
whillt he feeks to defame one , may per*
haps infed: many. We too experimen-
tally find the force of ill examples. Men
often take up fins, to which they have
no natural propenfion, merely by way
of conformity and imitation. But if the
inftance happen in a crime , which more
fuits the pradice of the hearers, tho ic
cannot befaid to feduce, yet it may en-
(Jourage and confirm them •, embolden
them not only the more frequently to
ad, but even to avow thofe fins; wherein
they find they Hand not fingle , and by
difcovering a new acceflary to their Par-
ty, to invite them the more heartily and
openly to efpoufe it.
1 8. These are fucheffedis asfurely do
not very well correfpond with that Juftice
and Charity we owe either to particular
Perfbns , or to mankind in General.
And indeed no better can be expe(9:ed,
from
Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth. 79
from a praftice which fo perfectly con-
tradifts the grand rule both of Juftice
and Charity , the doing as we would be
don to. That this do's fo , every man
has a ready conviction within him, if
he pleafe but to confult his own heart.
Alas with what folicitude do we feek to
hide our own guilts , with falfe drefles ,
whiit varnifi: ?s have we for them? There
are uoc more airs of difguifmg our Cor-
poral blemiflies, then our Moral: and
yet whillt we thus paint and parget our
own deformities? we cannot allow any
the Jealt imperfedion of anothcrs to re-
main undetefted, but tear off the veil
from their blufliingfiailties, and not on-
ly expo fe but proclame them. And cm\
there be a grofler , a more dcteftable
partiality then this? God may fure in
this inltance ( as in many others ) expo-
ftulate with us as he did with Ifrael, Ezek.
53. f^re not your is:aies unequal? What
Barbarifm, what inhumanity is it, thus
to treat thofe of the fame common na-
ture with our felves, whom we cannot
but know have the fame concern to
preierve a Reputation, and the fame
regret to lofe it, which we have? And
what ihame is it, that that Evangelical
precept
8o 1 he Government of the Tongue.
precept , ' of doing as we would be don
to, which met with lb much reverence
even trom Heathens, that Severm the
Emperor prefer'd it to all the Maxims
ofPhilofophers, fliould be thus contem-
ned and violated byChriilians, and that
too upon llich flight inconfiderable mo-
tives as ufually prevail in this cafe of De-
famation ?
ip. But we are not to confi-
der this fault only in its root as it 13 a
defed: of Juihce and Charity, but in its
produd: too , as it is a Seminary of more
injuitice and Uncharitablenefs. Thofe
diilidvantageous reports we make of our
neighbors, are ahnoft ieen to come round:
for let no man pcrfwade himlelf • that
the hearers will keep his counfel any
better then he do's that of the defamed
Perfon. Tlie fofteft whifper of this kind,
will fiad others to Echo it , till it reach
the ears of the concerned Party, and
perhaps with fbme enhancing circum-
Itances too. And when tis confider'd how
unwilling men are to hear of their faults,
tho even in the mildeft and moft chari-
table way of admonition , tis not to be
doubted a public Defamation, will leem
difobliging enough to provoke a return^
which
Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth. 8 1
which again begets a rejoinder, and ib
the quarrel is carried on with mutual
recriminations 5 all malicious inquuies
are made into each others manners, and
thofe things which perhaps they did in
clofets, come to be proclamed upon the
houle top : lo the wild-fire runs re ind,
till fomtimes nothing but blood will
quench it ; or if it arrive not to that,
yet it ufually fixes iu an irreconcileable
feud. To this IS otten owing tho.e di-
ftances we lee among f/'cnds and re-
lations ; this breeds iiich ftrangencfs,
Inch animolities amongit neighbors, that
you cannot go 10 one , but you fliall
beentertain'd witli.invedlives againft the
other ; nay perhaps you fliall lofe both,
becaufe you are willing to fide with
neither.
20. These are the ufual confequen-
ces of the liberty of the Tongue : and
what account can any man givetohim-
felf , either in Chriitianity or prudence,
that has let in inch atrain 'of mifchiefs,
merely to gratify an impotent childiih
humor of telling a tale? Peace was the
great Legacy Chrift left to his followers,
and ought to be guarded, thoweexpofe
for it our greatelt temporal concerns,
L but
82 The Government of the Tongue.
but cannot without defpight to him,
as well as our brethren , be thus prolti-
tuted.
21. Yet if we confider it abftrad:^
edly from thoic more folemn mifchiefs
which attend it , the mere levity and
unworthinefs of it fets it below an in-
genuous Pcrfon. We generally think a
tatler and bufy.body a title of no fmall
reproch : yet truly 1 know not to whom
it more juftly belongs , then to thofe,
who bul'y themfelves firil in learnig,
and then in publifliing the faults of o-
thers : anemploiment which the Apoltle
thought a blot , even upon the weaker
fex, and thinks the prevention of fuch
importance, that he prefcribes them to
change their whole condition of life; to
convert widow-hood (tho a flate which
in other refpeds he much prefers , i Cor.
7. 8. ) into marriage, rather then ex-
pofe themfelves to the temtation, i Tim.
f, 135 14. And if their impotence can-
not afford excuie for it , what a de-
bafcment is it of mens nobler faculties
to be thus entertain'd? The Hiftonan
gives it as an ill indicdtion o(T> omit ians
temper, tliat he emploi'J himfelf in catch-
ing and tormenting Flies : andfure they
fall
S E c T. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth 83
~ II
fall not under a much better cliarafter,
eitherfor wifdom J or good nature , who
thus fnatch up all the little flutternig re-
ports 5 they can meet with to'thc preju-
dice of their neighbors.
22. But beiides the divulging the
faults of others 5 there is another branch
of Detradion naturally fpringing from
this root, and this is cenlining and fe-
vere judging of them. We think not
we have well plai'd the Hiftorians, when
we have told the thing , unlefs we add
alio our remarks, and animadverfions
on it. And altho tis, God knows , bad
enough to make a naked relation , and
truft it to thefeverity of the hearers •, yet
few can content themfelves with that,
but muft give them a fample of rigor,
and by the bitterhefs of their own cen-
fure invite them to pafs the like : a pro-
cefs contrary to all rules of Law or e-
quity , for the plantifF to afflime the part
of a Judg. And we may eafily divine
the fate of that mans fame, that is fb un-
duly tried.
23. Tis indeed fad to fee how ma-
ny private tribunals are every where iet
up, where we fcan and judg our neigh-
bor's aition, but fcarce ever acquit any.
L 2 Wc
S4 The Government of the Tongue
We take up with the moft incompetent
wirnciT'<s , nay often fiiborn our own fur-
miles and jpcuoufics , that we may be lure
tocaftthe unhappy Criminal. How nice-
ly an J fcrupuloufly do we examine eveyy
circumftance • ( Would God we were but
half as exad: in our own penitential in-
quifitions ) and torture it to make it
confcfs lomething which apears not in
the more general view of the faft , and
which perhaps never was in the adfors
intention ? In a word we do like witches
with their Magical Chymiftry , extrad: all
the venem, and take none of the allay.
By this means we confound tlie degrees
of fins , and fentence deliberate and inde-
liberate, habit or an aft all at one rate,
t!iat is (Commonly , at the utmoft it can
amount to, even in its worle accepti-
on : and fure this were a moft culpa-
ble corruption in judgment , could we
flew our commiflion to judg our bre-
thren.
24,. But here we may every one of
us interrogate our fclves in our Saviors
wore iVhomade me a Judg? Luke 12.
i+. And i£ he difclam'd it, who in re-
fpcft of his Divinity had the Supreme
right, and that too in a cafe wherein
one
S E c T. V. Of Uur bar it able Truth. 8 f
bne (atleaft) of the Litigants had de-
fired his interpofition, what a boldnefs
is it in us to alFame it , where no fuch
appeal is made to us , but on the con-
trary the Party difowns our Autority ?
Nay ( which is infinitely more ) tis fuper-
feded by our great Law-giver, in that
exprefs prohibition. Mat. 7. i. Judg
not ^ and tliat bnck'd with a fevere pe-
nalty, thcit ye be not judged'^ As God
hath appropiiaLcd vengeance to himielf",
fo has he Judicature alio ; and tis an in-
vafion of his peculiar , for any ( bat his
Delegates the lawful Magiitrares ) to
pretend to either, And indeed in all pri-
vate Judgments, fo much depends upon
the intention of the Offender , that un-
lefs we could poflels our felves of Gods
Omnifcience, twill be as irrational as
impious to affume his Autority. Until
we know mens hearts, we are at the
beft but imperfedl: Judges of their adli-
ons. At our rate of judging St. Paul
had furely pafs'd for a molt malicious
Periecutor, whereas God faw he did /-
gnorantly in tmbdief ^ and upon that in-
tuition had mercy on him ^ i. Tim. i.
13. Tis therefore good counfel v/hich
the Apoftle -gives/ 1. Cor. 4. f. Jttdg
nothing
86 The Government of the Tongue.
nothing before the time until the Lord'
come. For tho tis faid the Saints shall
jiidg the -ji'orldj i. Cor. 6. 3. yet it mutt
be at the great Afiize , and he that will
needs intrude himfelf into the office be-
fore the time, will be in danger to be
rather Paflive then Adivc in the Judica-
tory-. I do not here advife to fuch a llu-
pid charity as fliall make no diftin6tion
of Aftions. I know there is a wo pro-
nounced as well to thole who call evil
goody as good eviL Surely when we fee
an open notorious fin committed, we
may exprefs a deteftadon of the Crime,
tho not of the Ador^ nay ic may fome-
times be a neceflary Charity, both to
the Offender , and to the innocent Spe-
d:ators , as an Amulet to keep them from
the Contagion. of the Example. But ftill
even in theft cafes , our Sentence muft
not exceed the evidence , we mull judg
only according to the vifible undoubtea
circumftances , and not aggravate the
crime upon prefumtions and conjeftures;
if we do , how right foever our guelles
may be , our judgment is not , but we
are as St. James Ipeaks, Judges of evil
thoughts. Chap. 2.4.
2j. Indeed this rafli judging
IS
Sect. VI. OfUncharitable Truth. 87
IS not only very unjuft both to God and
man , but it is an ad: of the greateft pride;
When we fet our felves in the Tribunar
we alwaies look down with contemr on
thofe at the bar. And certainly there
is nothing do's ^o gratify, fo regale a
haughty humor , as this piece of ufurpt
Soverainty over our brethren : but the
more it do's fo , the greater neceillty there
is to abftain from it. Pride is a hardy
kind of vice, ahat will live upon the barclt
pafture : you cannot ftarve it with the
moft indultrious mortifications : how lit-
tle need is there then of pampering and
heightning it, which we cannot more
eftedually do, then by this cenfohous hu-
mor ? for by that we arc i'o perpetually
emploi'd abroad, that we have noleifurc
to look homeward, and fee our own de-
fefts. We are like the inhabitants of Ai^
Jof. 8 . fo eager upon the purfui t of others,
that we leave our felves expofd to the
ambuflies of Satan, who will be fure Itill
to encourage us in our chafe, drawusftill
farther and farther from our felves , and
cares not how zealous we are in fight-
ing againil the crimes of others , fo lie
can but keep that zeal from recoiling upon
our own,
26 Laft.
88 The Government of the Tongue.
26. Lastly this judging others is
one of the highell violations of Charity.
The Apolllc gives it as one of the pro-
perties of tliat grace, that it thinks no e^
'vil (r,e.) IS not apt to make levere con-
ihudtions, but lets every thing in the
fairell light, puts the moft candid inter-
pretations that the matter will bear. And
truly this is of great importance to the
reputation of our neighbors. The world
we know is in many inilances extreme-
ly governed by opinion, but in this tis
all in all s it has not only an influence
upon It, but is that very thing: reputa-
tion being nothing but a fair opinion
and eilimation among others. Now this
opinion is not alwaies fwaied by due
motives : /bmtimes little accidents, and
ofcca fancy, and oftell prepoflefliou go-
verns in it. So that many times he that
puts the firft ill Charad:er , fixes the
liamp which afterwards goes currant in
the world. The generality of people
take up prejudices (as they do religions)
upon trull : and of thole that are more
c.irious in .inquiring into the grounds,
there are not many who vary on the
more charitable hand, or bring the com-
mon fentence to review, with intent to
m9-
S E c T . VI. Of Uncharitable Truth 89
moderate but inhance it. Men are apt
to think it ibme dilparagement to their
acutenefs and invention , if they can-
not fay ibrathing as fliarp upon the fub-
jed: , as has bin faid before 5 and fo tis the
bufinefs of many to lay on more load,
but of few to take off: and therefore he
that pafles the firft condemnatory ien--
tence, is like the incendiary in a popular
tumult, .who is chargeable with all thofe
diforders to which he gave the firft rile,
tho that free not his Abettors from their
fhare of the guilt.
27. And as this is very uncharitable
in refped: of the injury ofter'd , {o alfo
is it in refleftion on the grand rule of
Charity. Can we pretend to love our
neighbors as our ielves , and yet (hall
our love to him have the quite contrary
effedls to that we bear our ielves ? Can
felf-love leflen our beam into a mote,
and yet can our love to him magnify
his mote into a beam ? No certainly, true
Charity is more fincere , do's not turn
to us the reverfe end of the perfped:ive,
to reprefent our own faults at a diftance,
and in the moft dimunutive fize, and
yet fliuffle the other to us when we are
to view his. No, thefe are Tricks of
M Le-
po The Government of the Tongue.
Legerdemain we read in another Schoel.
even in hii whole Itile is tfne accujer ef
the brethren. We know how frequently
God prrvteils againil falfe weights and
falfc mefurcs. And fine tis not only in
the fliop or market that he abhors them,
they are no le(s abominable in conver-
fation then in traffic. To buy by one
mefure and fell by another, is not more
unequal, then it is to have thefe differing
ftandards for our own and our neigh-
bors faults, that our own fhall weigh, in
the Prophet Jeremies Phrale, lighter then
vanity , yea nothing , and yet his Q tho
really the lighter) fhall prove Zachari-
es talent of lead. This is llich a partial-
lity , as conlifts not with common ho-
nclty, and can therefore never be recon-
ciled with Chriitian Charity : and how
demurely fbever fuch men may pretend
to lancStity , that interrogation of God
prefles hard upon them , shall I count
them pure with the wicked balances •^ and
with the bag of deceitful weight si Mich.
6. II. Such bitter invcftives againfl o-
thcr mens fliults, and indulgence or pal-
liation of their own , fliews their zeal
lies in their ipleen , and that they con-
fider not fb much what is don ^ as who
do's
Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth, 91
do's it: and to fuch the fentence of the
Apoftle is very applicable, Rom. 2, i.
Therefore thou art inexctifahle O man,
whofoever thou art that judgeH , for "ji^here-
in thou pL^gefl another thou condemneft
thy felf, for thou that judgefl ^ doji the
fame thing, B'at admit a man have not
the very fame guilts he cenfures in a-
nother, yet tisfure every man hasfome*,
and of what fort foever they be, he de-
fires not they (hould be rigoroiiily fcaa*d,
and therefore by the rule of Charity ,
yea and juftice to, ought not to do
that which he won Id not fufFer. If he
can find extenuations for his own crimes,
he is in allreafon to prefume others may
have fo for theirs: the common frailty
of our nature , as it is ape alike to betray
us to faults , fo it gives as equal fliare
in the excufe •, and therefore what I would
have pafs for the effed: of impotency or
inadvertence in my felf j I can with no
tolerable ingenuity give a worfe name to
in him.
28. We have now viewed both thcTc
branches of Detraction , ictw both the
fin and mifchiefs of them ^. we may now
join them together in a concluding ob-
fervation , which is that they are as im-
M 2 prudent
5)2 The Government of the Tongue.
pmdent as they are unchriltian. It has
bin received among the maxims of civil
life, not unneceflanly to exafperate any
body 5 to which agrees the advice of an
ancient Philofopher , Speak not evil of
thy neighbor, if thoa do'ft thou flialt
hear that which will not fail to trouble
thee. There is no Perfon fo inconfide-
rable, but may at fome time or other
do a difplefure: but in this of Defaming
men need no harnefling , no preparation,
every man has his weapons ready for a
return : io that none can flioot thefe ar-
rows, but they muft exped: they will re-
vert with a rebounded force : not only
to the violation of Chriftian Unity ( as
1 have before obferv'd} but to the Ag-
greffors great fecular detriment , both
in fame, and often times intereft alfo. Re-
veng is iharp-fighted , and overlooks no
opportunity of a retaliation, and that
commonly not bounded as the Levitical
ones were 5 lyin eiefor an eie , a tooth for
a tooth 'i Exod. 21. 24. no nor by the
larger proportions of their reftitutions
fourfold -, Exod. 22. i. but^ extended
to the utmof^ power of the inflid:er.
The examples are innumerable of men
who have thus laid themfelves open m
their
Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable truth, 93
their greateft concerns , and have let loofe
the hands as well as Tongues of others a-
gainft them , merely becaufe they would
put no reftraint upon their own: which is
fo great indiicretion , that to them we
may well apply that of Sr\om.ow,A fools
mouth is his deffru£iion , and his lip are the
fnare of his foul. Prov. 18. 7.
25>. And now who can fufficiently
wonder , that a practice that to thwarts
our intereft of both worlds, (houldcome
univerfally to prevail among us? Yet
that it do's fo, I may appeal to the
confciences of molt , and to the obfer-
vation of all. What fo common To-
pic of difcourfe is there , as this of back-
biting our neighbors ? Come into com-
pany of all Ages, all Ranks, all Pro-
feffions, this is the conitant entertain-
ment: And I doubt he that at night
fliall duely recoiled: the occurrences of
the day , (hall very rarely be able to fay, he
has {pent it without hearing or fpeakmg'
(^ perhaps both ) fomewhat ot this kind.
Nay even thofe who reftrain themfelves
other liberties , are often apt to indulge
to this: many who arc fo juft to their
neighbors property , that as Abraham
once faid, Gen. 14. 23. they isjould not
take
5).j. The Government of the Tongue.
take from kirn , even from a thred to a shoe
luichet ^ are yet fo inconiiderate of his
Fame, as to find themlelves dilcourfe
at the-expcnce of that, tho infinitiy a
greater injury then the robbing of his
Coffer: which ihew's wliat talie mefures
we are apt to take of things, and evin-
ces that many of thofe , who have not
only in general abjured the world in their
baptifm, but do in many inftances feem
to themfelves ( as well as others ) to have
gain'd a Superiority over it, do yet in
this undifcernably yield it the greatell
enfign of Soverainty 5 by permitting it to
fet the Standar ds and eftimates of things ,
and faking its cuftomary Prefcriptions
for Laws. Por what belides this un-
happy fervility to cultom, can poffibly
reconcile men that own Chriftianity ,
to a practice fo widely diftant from it ?
Tis true thole that profefs themfelves
men of this world who defign only their
portion in this hfe, may take it up as
Ibmetimes conducing ( at leait feemingly}
to their end : but for thofe who propofe
higher hopes to themfelves , and know
that Charity is one of the main props
to thofe hopes, how fooHflily do they
undermine tnemfelves, when they thus
adt
Sect. VI. Of Uncharitabk Truth , 9 5-
ad; againlt their principles, and tliAt up-
on no other Autority, but that of popilar
ufage? I know men are ape to exciife
themfelves upon their indignation againil
vice, and think that their zeal mail as
well acquit them for this violation of
the Second Table, as it once did Mofes
for the breaking both, Ex. 32. 15). But
to fuch I may anfwer in Chrifts words,
Luke 9. 55-. Te know not '^jchat manner
of fptrit you are of, Meeknefs and
Charity are the Evangelical graces,
which will molt recommend and affi-
milate us to him , who was meek and
lowly in heart. But after all this pre-
text of Zeal , I fear it is but a cheat we
put on our felves, the Elder brothers rai-
ment only to difguife the S'Jpplanter.
Gen. 27. Let men truly ranfack their
own breatts and I doubt the beft will
find there is fomthing of vanity which
lies at the bottom, if it be not the po-
fitive fort mention'd before, of defigning
to illuitrate my felf by others blemiflies,
yet at lead the negative, that I am un-
willing to incur the contemt incident to
thofe , who fcruple at fmall fins. Befides
I oblerve perhaps, that tis the common
entertainment of the world , to Defame
their
96 The Government of the Tongue.
their neighbors , and if I Itrike notin.up-
on the Theme , I fliall have nothing to
render me acceptable company ^ perhaps
I fliall be reproched as morofe or dull ^ and
my lilence Ihall be conftmedto proceed
not from the abundance of my Charity,
but the defed: of my Wit.
30. But fure they that can thus ar-
gue, do hereby give a more demonftra-
tiveproofofthaf defect. He whofe wit
is fo precarious that it muft depend on-
ly upon the folly or vice of another,
had beft give over all pretence to it.
He that has nothing of his own growth
to fet before his guefts , had better
make no invitations , then break down
his neighbors inclofure , and feaft them
upon his plunder. Befides how piti-
ful an atteitation of wit is it, to be able
to make a difgraceful relation of ano-
ther? No fcolding woman but may
fet up fuch Trophies : and they that can
value a man upon fuch an account , may
prefer the Scarabes , who feed upon dung,
and are remark'd by no other property ,
before the Bee that fucks flowers and re-
turns hony.
31. But in the next place admit this
reJtraint fliould certainly expofe one to
that
Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth, 97
that reprochi methinks this fhould be
no news to thofe who know the con-
dition of Chriftianity is to take up the
Crofs : and fare it cannot weigh lighter
then in this inftance. What am 1 the
worle if a vain Talkative Perfon think
me too referv'd ? Or if he, whole frolic
levity is his difeale , call me dull 5 becaule
I vapor not out all n.y fpiri-cs into froth?
Socrates when inform'd of fome deroga-
ting Speeches one had ufed of him be-
hind his back, made only thii. facetious
reply , Let him beat me too when I am
abient. And he that gets not fuch an
indifference to all the idle cenfures of
men , will be difturb'd in all his civil
tranladlions , as well as his Chriftian:
it being fcarce poffible to do any thing,
but there will be defcants made on ic.
And if a man will regard thofe winds ,
he muft , as Solomon laies , never fow %
Eccl. II. 4. He muft fufpend even the
necelTary actions of common life, if he
will not venture them to the being mil-
judged by others.
32. But there is yet a farther con-
fideration in this matter : for he that
upon fuch a delpicable motive will vio-
late his duty in one particular, lets Sa-
N taa
pS 1 he Government of the Tongue.
tan get a main point ot him, and caa
with no good Logic deny to do it in
others. Dctrad:ion is not the only fin
intafhion: Profanenefs, and Oblcenity,
and all forts ot Luxury arefo too, and
threaten no lefs reproch to thofe who
icruple at them. Upon the fame grounds
therefore that he difcards his Charity to
his neighbor, he may alio his Piety, his
Modelty , his Temperance , and almoft
all other virtues. And to fpeak the truth,
there is not a more fertile womb of fin,
then this dread of ill mens reproch. O-
ther corruptions muft be gratified with
coft andinduftry? but in this the Devil
hath no farther trouble* then to laugh
men out of their fouls. So prolific a vice
therefore had need be weeded out of
mens hearts : for if it be allowed theleall
corner , it it be indulged to in this one
inftance , twill quickly fpread it feif far-
ther*
33. Yet after all, this fear of re-
proch is a mere fallacy , ftarted to dif-
guife a more reall caufe of fear : for the
greater danger of reproch do's indeed lie
on that other fide. Common eftimation
puts an ill Churader upon pragmatic
medling people. For tho the inquifi-
tivenefs
h Sect. VI Of Uncharitable Truth. 99
tivenefs andcanoiity otthe hearer, may
fomtimes render fuch difcourfes grateful
enough to him, yet it leaves in him no
good impreffions of the fpeaker. This
is well obferv'd by the fon of Sirach ,
Ecclus. 19. 8, 9. Whether it be to friend
or foe , talk not of other mens lives ; and
if thou canH without offence , renjele them
not , for he heard and obferv d thee , and
when time comet h he will hate thee. In
a word allconfidering Perfonswill bee-
ver upon their guard in luch company}
as forefeeing that they will talk no lc(s
freely of them , then they do of others be-
» fore them. Nor can the commonnefs of
the guilt obviate the cenfure, there be-
ing nothing more frequent then for
men to accufe their own faults in other
Perfons. Vice is like a dark Lanthorn,
which turns its bright fide only to him
that bears it, but looks black and dif.
mal in anothers hand: and in this par-
ticular none has fo much reafon to fear
a Defamer , as thofe who are themfelves
fuch: for (bcfides the common pruden-
tial motive^ their own confcioufnefs
gives them an inward alarm , and makes
them look for a retribution in the fame
kind. Thus upon the whole matter we
N 2 fee
1 oo The Government of the Tongue.
fee , there is no real temtation , even to
our vanity , to comply with this uncha-
ritable cuftom > we being fure to lofe
more repute by it then we can propofc to
our feives to gain. The being elteem'd
an ill man will not be balanced by be-
ing thought plefaat, ingenuous compa-
ny , were one fure to be lb. But tis odds
that will not be acquired by it neither,
for the moll afliduous talebearers and bit-
terelt revilers are often half-witted peo-
ple : there being nothing more frequent-
ly obfervable , then fuch mens aptnefs to
fpeak evil of things they underftand not,
Jude 1.2.
34. O Let not then thofe that have re-
pudiated the more inviting fins, Ihew
themfelves philtr'd and bewitc'd by this,
but inlteadoffubmitting to the ill exam-
ple of others , fet a good one to them , and
endeavor to bring this unchriftian cuftom
out of fafhion. I am fure if they do not ,
they will be more deeply chargeable then
others : for the more command they have
over their other corruptions , the more do
they witnefs againft themfelves. Their
remifnefs and willing fubjediion to this,
befides their example when ill , is more
enfnaring then other mens , and is apt
to
Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth, loi
to infinuaie eaiy thoughts of the lin.
Men are apt to think themfelves fafe
while they follow one of noted piety >
and the aiitority of his Perfon often leads
them blindfold into his failings. Thus
when Teter diflembled , St. 'Paul tells us
that the other Jeijus and evefi Barnaba^s
aljo was carried away with hu dijjiwula^
tio7.. Galat. 2. 13. And I doubt not
in this particular many are incouraged
by the liberty they fee even good men
take. So that fuch have a more accumu-
lative guilt, for they do not only com-
mit 5 but patronize the fault: the conli-
deration whereof has kept me, I confefs,
longer upon this head then is proportio-
nable to the brevity of the reft ; but I
think not longer then agrees to the im-
portance of the fubjcd:.
3f. And now fince we have conli-
der'd the malignity of this fin of Detra-
ftion , and yet withall find that tis a fin,
which as the Apoftle fpeaks , doth fo eafi^
ly hefettis^ tis but a natural Corollary
that we inforce our vigilance againftit.
And where the importance and diflScul-
ty are both fo great , twill be a little ne-
ceflliry to confider what are the liklieft
means, the moft appropriate Antidote
againft
I02 The Government of the Tongue.
againft this fo dangerous , and yet fo E-
pidemic a difeale.
36. And here the common rule of
Phyfic is to be adverted to, viz. to ex-
amine the caufes , that the remedies may
be adapted to them. I fhall therefore in
the fine place defire every man ferioufly
to Ihidy his own conftitution of mind,
and obferve what are his particular tem-
tations to this fin of Detradtion , whe-
ther any of thofe I have before menti-
on'd, as Pride, Envy, Levity, &c. or
any otfier which lies deeper , and is only
difcernible to his own infpedlion. Let
him , I fay , make the fcrutity , and then
accordingly apply himfelf to correct the
fin in its firlt principle. For as when
there is an eruption of Humor in any
part, tis not cured merely by outward
applications, but by fuch alterative Me-
dicines as purify the bloody fokhis Le-
profy of the Tongue will ftill fpread
farther , if it be not check'd in its Spring
and fource , by the mortifying of thoie
corrupt inchnations, which feed and
heighten it.
37. This is an inquifition I muft
leave to every mans own Confcience,
which alone can teftify by what im-
pulfes
Sect. Vl. Of Uncharitable Truth. 103
pulfes he adts. Yet as the Rabbles were
wont to fay , that in every Signal Judg-
ment which befel the Jews, there was
fome grain of the Golden- calf 5 {o I think
I may venture to fay , that m all Detra-
d:ion, there is fbme mixture of Pride :
and therefore I fuppofe, a Caution a-
gainfl: that , will be {o generally ieafona-
ble, that it may well lead the Van of
all other advices in this matter. And
here tis very obfervable, that God who
has made of one blood all Nations of the
earth. Actt. 17. has fo equally diftribu-
ted all the moft valuable priviledges of
Human nature , as if he delign'd to pre-
clude all infulting of one man over an-
other. Neither has he only thus infinua-
ted it by his Providence, but has in-
forc'dit by his commands. In the Levi-
tical Law we find what a particular care
he takes to moderate the rigor of Ju-
dicial corredion, upon this very ac-
count, left thy Brother be defpjed in
thine eies. Deut. 2 jr. 3. So unrealbna-
ble did he think it , that the crime or
milery of one , fhould be the exultation of
another. And St. jPW brands it as a great
guilt of the Corinthians , that they up-
on theoccafionof the inceftuous Perfon
"■ji'ere
104 The Government of the Tongue.
"joere puffed up ^ when they should have
mourned, i. Cor. f. 2. When we fee a
dead Corps , we are not apt to infult o-
ver it, or brag of our own health and
vigor ; bat it rather damps us , and makes
us redect , that it may ( we know not how
loon) bw our own Condition. And cer-
tainly the fpediacles of Spiritual mor-
tality iliould have the fame operation.
We have the fame principles of Corru-
ption with our lapfed Brethren 5 and
have nothing bat Gods grace, to fecure
us from the fame eifefts, and by thefe
infulting reflexions forefeit that too^
for he gives grace only to the humble. Jam.
4. 6. St. Paul's advice theretore is very
appjfite to this c^&,^ Gal. 6. i. Bre-
thren if a m^n be overtaken in a fault ,
rejiore fuch a one in the fpirit of Meeknefs^
confidering thyjelf-, leafi thou alfo be temt^
ed. In a word the faults of others ought
to excite our pity towards them , our
cautiOn as to our feives 5 and our thank-
fulneis to God , if he hath hitherto pre-
fer v'd us from the like, For who made
thee to differ jrom another ? 1 Cor. 4. 7 . But
if we Ipread our Sails and triumph o-
verthefc wrecks, we expofe our feWes to
worfe. O ther fins like Rocks may Iplit us,
yet
Sect. VL Of Uncharitable Truth, i o )
j^et the lading may be preferv'd ; but
Pride like a Gulf fwallows us up ^ our
very vermes when {o levened, becom-
ing weights and plummets to link us to
the deeper mine. The counlel therefore
of the Apoftle, is very pertinent to this
matter. Rom. 1 1 . 20. Be not high minded,
but fear.
38. But God knows we can infult
over others when we are not only un-
der a poffibihty, but are aftually inyolvM
in the fame guilt: and then what are all
our accufations and bitter ceniures of
others, but indicftments and condemna-
tory fentences againft our felves ? And
we may juiUy exped God ihould take
us at our word, and reply upon us as the
Prophet did upon "David, Thou art the
man, 2 Sam. 12. 7. For tho our officious
vehemence againft anothers crime, may
blind the eies of men , yet God is not
fo mocked : as therefore when a thief
or murderer is dctedted , it gives an a-
larm to the whole confederacy ; fo when
we find our own guilts purfued in other
mens Perfons, tis not a time for us to
join in the profecution, but rather by
humble and penitent reflexions on our
felves to provide for our own fafety.
O When
io6 The Government of the Tongue.
When therefore we find our ieives (up-
on any mifdemeanor of our brother )
ready to mount the tribunal , and pro-
nounce our lentence, let us firil confi-
der how competent we are for the office,
calling to miud the decifion Chriftonce
made in the like cafe. He that is vjtth-
out fin let him fir ft catt a ftone-^ Joh. 8.7.
And ii wc did this, many perhaps of
our fierceft impcachers , would think
fit to retire and leave the delinquent (as
they themfelves finally defire to be) to
the merciful indulgence of a Savior. In
fliort, would we but look into our own
hearts, we (hould find fo much work for
our inquilitions and cenfure , that we
fliouid not be at leifure to ramble a-
broad for it. And therefore as Lyciirgus
once faid to one, who importuned him
to eftabliili a popular paiity in the ftate.
Do thou, faies he, begin it firft in thine
own faiiiiiy 5 fo I (hall advife thole that
will be judging, to pradrice firft at home.
And if they will confine themfelves to
that , till there be nothing left to cor-
redt, 1 doubt not their neighbor will
be well enough lecur'd againft their De-
tractions.
35>. Another prefervation againft
that
Sect. VL Of Uncharitable Truth. 107
that fin is the frequent contemplation of
the lall and great judgment. This is m^
deed a Cathoiicon againft all : but we find
it particularly appli'd by St. T^ral to this
of judging and defpifing our Brethren.
fVhy doH thoujudg thy brother ? or izhy doH
thou jet at nought thy brother ? We shall all
Jiand before the Judgment Seat of Chrift.
Rom. 14. 10. That is the great day of
Revelation and retribution , and we are
not to anticipate it by our private in-
quefts or lentences : we have bufineis e-
nough to provide our own accounts a-
gaiuil that day. And as it were a fpight-
ful folly for MalefadVors that were go-
ing together to the bar , to fpend their
time in exaggerating each others crimes:
fo furely is ic fo^^ us , who are all go-
ing toward the dreadful tribunal , to
be drawing up Charges againft one an-
other. And who knows biic we may then
meet with the fiite of T)aniels accufers,
fee iiim we confur'd acquit, and our felves
doomed. The penitence of the crimi-
nal may have nurnbred him among the
Saints, when our nnretrad:ed unchari-
tablenefs may fend us to unquenchable
Flames. 1 conclude this confideration
with the words of St, Jaynes^ there is one
O 2 Law^
I c 8 The Government of the Tongue.
La^jigiver iz'ho u able to Jave and to deftroyy
isuho art thou that jtidgeft another^. J^i^-
4. 12.
40. A third expedient may be, to try-
to make a revuliion of the humor, to
draw it into another chanel. If we
mull needs be talking of other peoples
faults, let it not be to Defame, but to
amend them , by converting our Detra-
ftion and backbiting into Admonition
and fraternal correption. This is a way
to extradl medecine out of the viper, to
confecrateeven this {o unhallow'dapart
of our temper, and to turn the ungrate-
ful medling of a bufy-body , into the
moft obliging office of a friend. And
indeed had we that zeal for vertue,
which we pretend wken we inveigh a-
gainft vice, we fhould furely lay it out
this way, for this only gives a poffibility
of reforming the oifender. But alas we
order the matter fo , as if we feaf d to
lofe the occaiion of Clamor, and will
tell all the world but him that it moft
concerns. Indeed tis a deplorable thing
to fee how univerfally this neceffary
Chriftian duty is negleibed ; and to that
negled: we may in a great degree impute
that ftrange overflowing of Detraftion
a*
Sect. VI. Of Uncharitable Truth. 1 09
among us. We know the receiving a"
ny thing into our Charge, infenfibiy be-
gets a love and tendernefs to it (a nurle
upon this account comes often to vie
kindnefs with the mother : ) and would
we but take one another tlius into our
care, and by friendly vigilance thus
watch over each others fouls , tis fcarce
imaginable what an endearment it would
create : fuch certainly as would infalli-
bly fupplant all our unkind reportings,
and fevere defcants upon our brethren 5
fince thofe can never take place, but when
there is at leail an indifference , if not an
enmity.
41. The next cure I fliall propofe
for Detrad:ion , is to fubftracSt its nu-
nlliment , by fupprefling'ali Curiofity
and inquifitivcnels concerning others.
Were all lupplies thus cut off, it would
at laft be fubdued. The King of Ethi-
opia m a vie of Wit with the King of
Egypt , propoi'd it as a Problem to
hmi , to drink up the Sea , to which
he replfd, by requiring him firft to ftop
the accefs of Rivers to it : and he that
would drain this other Ocean , muft
take the fame courfe , dam up the ave-
nues of thofe Springs which feed it. He
that
Ho The Government of the Tongue.
that is aiwaies upon the icciiu , iiuiiting
out fome difcovery of others, will be
very apt to invite his neighbors to the
quany ; and therefore twill be necellary
for him , to reilrain himfelf from that
range: not hke jealous States, to keep
Spies and pcnfioners abroad to bring him
intelligence , but rather diicourage all
fuch" orHcious pick-thanks : for the fliller
he is of fuch informations , the more is
Iiis.painifhe keep them in, and his guilt
if he publifli them. Could men be per-
fwaded to affed: a wholefome ignorance
in thefe matters, it would conduce both
to their eafe and innocence : for tis this
Itch of the ear which breaks out at the
Tongue : and were not Curiofity the
Purveior, Detraftion would loon be ftarv-
ed into a tamenefs.
42. But the moft infallible receit
of all, is the frequent recolledling, and
ierious applying of the grand rule , of
doing as he would be don to: for as
Detrad:ion is the violation of that , fo
the obfervation of that muil certainly
flippumc Detradlion. Let us therefore
when we find the humor fermenting
within us , and ready to break out in
Declamations againft our brethren. Let
us
S E c T . V I . Of Uncharitable Truth, 1 1 1
us 5 1 lay , check it with this fliort que-
ftion, Would I my lelf be thus us'd ? This
voice from within, will be like that from
heaven to St. Paul, which ftopt him in
the height of his carrier , Ad. 5). 4. And
this voice every man may hear, that will
not ftop his ears, nor gug his confcience,
it being but the Echo of that nativ^e Ju-
llice and equity. which is planted in our
hearts : and when we have our remedy
fo near us , • and will not ufe it , God
may well expoftulate with u$ , as he did
vrith the Jews, Why will ye dte^ O houfe
ofjfrael ? Ezek. 33.11.
43. These are fomc of thofe many
receits which may be prcfcrib'd againft
this fpreading diieafe. But indeed there is
not fo much need to multiply remedies,
as to perfwade men to apply them. We
are in love with our Malady, and as loth
to Be cured of the Luxury of the Tongue,
as St, Ky€ugiiftine was of his other Sen-
fuality 5 againil wliich lie praied with a
Caveat , that he might not be too fooii
heard. But tis ill dallying , where our
Souls are concern*d : for alas tis they that
are wounded by thofe darts, which we
throw at others. We take our aim per-
haps at our Neighbors, but indeed hit
our
1 1 2 The Government of the Tongue.
our felves : herein verifying in the high-
eit Senfe that Axiom of the Wile- man.
He that diggeth n pit , shall fall into ity
and he that roleth a ftone , it shall return
npon him, Prov. 2 jr. 27. If therefore we
have no tendernefs, no relenting to our
Brethren , yet let us have fome to our
felves*, fo much compaflion, nay fomuch
relped to our precious immortal Souls,
as not to fet them at fo defpicable a price,
to put them in balance with the fatisfy-
ing of a petulant peevifh vanity. Surely
the fliewing our lelves ill-natur'd (which
is all the gain Detra6tion amounts to} is
not fo enamouring a defign, that we
fhould facrifice to it our highelt intereft.
Tis too much to fpend our breath in iuch
apurfuit, O let not our fouls alfo exhale
in the vapor ^ but let us rather pour theiir
out in praiers for our brethren, then in
accufations of them : for tho both the one
and the other will return into our own
bofoms , yet God knows to far differ-
ing purpofes , even as differing as thofe
wherewith we utter them. The Charity
of the one like kindly exhalations will
defcend in fhowers of bleffings, but the
rigor and afperity of the other, in a fe-
vere doom upon our felves : for the A-
po-
Sect. VII. OfScffiingand'Deri/ion. 113
poftle will tell us , He shall have jud^^
ment without mercy , that hath shew(td no
merely ]amQs 2, 13.
Sect. VIL
Of Scoffing and Derifwrt,
1/ I ^HERE is alfo another fault
I of the Tongue injurious to our
neighbor , and that is Derifion and
Mockery > and ftriving to render others
as ridiculous and contemtible as we can.
This in refped: of the fiibjed: matter dif^
fers from the other of Detradlion, as
much as folly or deformity do's from
vice: yet fince injuries as well as bene-,
fits are to be mefured by common efti-
mation , this may come in balance with
the other. There is fuch a general aver^
fation in human nature to contemt
that there is fcarce any thino- more ex^
afperating. I will not deny but the excefs
of that averfation may be level'd againft
Pride , yet fure fcorn and dildain never
Iprung from humility, and therefore ard
P Very
1 14, The Government of the Tongue.
very incompetent Corred:ors of the otherj
fo that it may be faid of that, as once
it was of Diogenes , that he trampled on
Plato's Vn&Q with greater of his own.
2, Nor is this nijury enhanced on-
ly by the refentment of the fufFerer ,
but alio by the way of inflidling it. We
generally think thofe are the fevereft
marks of infamy, which are the moft
indelible. To be burnt in the hand or
pilloried , is a more lafting reproch then
to be fcourged or confined j and it is
the fame in this cale, for here common-
ly Wit is the Lidtor, which is arnVd
with an edg'd tool, and leaves fears be-
hind it. The reproch of rage and fury
leemto be writ in Chalk or Lead, which
a difpafiionate hearer ealily wipes out ,
but thofe of Wit ari5 like the gravers bu-
rine upon copper , or the corrodings of
Aqua-fortis , engrave and indent the
Charadiers that they can never be de-
faced. The truth of this daily experi-
ence attells. A dull contumely quickly
vanifhcs, no body^ thinking it worth re-
membring-, but when tis fteel'd with
Wit, it pierces deep, leaves fiichimpref-
fions in the fancy of the hearers , that
thereby it gets rooting in the memory, and
will
Sect. VII. Of Scoffing andDerifion, iif
will fcarcc be eradicated : nay Ibmtimes
it happens to furvive both fpeaker and
hearer , and conveys it feif to polterity j
it being not uniifual for the larcafms of
Wit to be tranfmitted in ftory. And
as it thus gives an edg, fo alio do's it
add wings to a reproch , makes it fly a-
broad in an inftant. Many a poor mans ^
infirmities had bin confined to the no-
tice of a few relations or neighbors, had
not Ibme remarkable ftrein of drollery
fcatter'dand difperfedthem. The jeil re-
commends the Defamation , and is com-
monly fo incorporate with it, that they
cannot be related apart. And even
thofe who like it not in one refped:,
yet are many times fo tranfported with
it in the other, that they chafe rather to
propagate the contiftiely , then IHfle the
conceit. Indeed Wit is fo much the
T>iana of this age, that he who goes a-
bout to fet anv bounds to it muil expecil
an uproar i Afts 15). 18. or at leaft to
be judged to have impofed an envious
inhibition on it, becaufe himfelf has not
flock enough to maintai n the trade. But
how ever iharp or unexped:ed the cen-
fure may feem to be , yet cis neceffary that
plain downright truth faould fomtimes
P 2 be
Ii6 The Government of the Tongue.
be fpoken , and I think that will bear me
out, if I fay us poffible men may be
as oppreflive by their parts , as their po-
wer; and that God did no more delign
the meaner intcUeftualls of fome for
triumphs to the Pride and vanity of the
more acute, then he did the pofleffions
ot the lefs powerful , as a prey to the ra-
pine and avarice of the mighty.
3. And this fuggefts a yet farther
aggravation of this iin , as it is a per-
verting of Gods deiign , and abufe of the
talent he has committed to menintruft.
Ingenuity and quickneis of parts , is iure
to be reckoned in the higheft ranks of
Bieffings, and an inftrument proper for the
moft excellent purpoles : and therefore
we cannot fuppole the Divine wifdom ,
fo much fliort of fcuman, as not in
his intention to allign it to ufes
v/orthy of it. Thole muft relate either
to God , our lelves , or our neighbors.
In refpeCt of God, it renders us more
capable of contemplating his Perfed:i-
ons, difcerning the Equity and excel-
lence of his Laws , and our obhgations
to obedience. In regard of our ielves,
it makes us apprehend our own intereft
in that obedience j makes us trad: able and
per?
Sect. VII. Of Scoffing andlDeriJion. 117
perfwafible , contrary to that Brutifli ftub*
bornnefs of the Horfe and Mule , which
the Pfalmift reproches, Pfal. 32. 5). Be^
fides it accommodates us in all the con-
cerns of Human life , forms it felf into
all thofeufeful contrivances, which may
make our being here more comfortable :
efpeciaUy it renders a man company to
hmifelf 5 and in the greateft dearth of
Society , entertains him with his own
thoughts. Laftly , as to our neighbors,
it renders us ufeful and afTiilant. All
thofe dilcoveries and experiments , thofe
Arts and Sciences, which arc itow the
common trciure of the world, took
their firft rife from the ingenuity of par-
ticular perfons : and in all Perfonal
exigencies wherein any of us arc at any
time involved , we need not be told the
ufefulnefs of a wile advifer. Now all
thefe are emploimentscommenfurable to
the faculty from whence they flow, and
that anfwcr its excllence and value j and
he that fo beftows his talent , gives a good
account of his truft. But 1 would fain
know under v/hich of theie Heads Deri-
fiori of our Neighbors comes in: cer-
tainly not under that of being affiftant
fo him. It would be a forry relief to a
poor
1 1 8 The Government of the Tongue.
poor indigent wretch , to lavifh out wic
upon him, in upbraiding of his mifery.
And is not this a parallel cale? is it not
the fame Barbarifm, to mock and re-
proch a man that wants the gifts of
Nature , as him that wants thofe of For-
tune ? Nay perhaps it may be more , for
a Beggar may have impovenflit himlelf
by his own fault, but in Natural de*
feca:s there is nothing to be charged , un-
lefs we will fly higher, and arraign that
Providence that hath fo difpenfed. In
a word as the Superfluities of the Rich
are by God affignM as the ftore-houfe
of the poor, fothe Abilities of the Wife
are of the ignorant : for tis a great mi*
ftake, to think our felves Stewards in
fome of Gods gifts , and proprietaries in
others. They are all equally to be emploi-
ed, according to the delignation of the
Donor, and there is nothing more^ni-
verlally defign'd by him, then that man-
kind lliould be equally helpful to one
another. Thofe therefore whom God
hath bleft with higher degrees of fa-.
gacity and quicknefs , ought not to look
down on others as the objeds of their
contemt or fcorn , but rather of their
care and pity , endeavoring to refcue
them
Sect. VII. Of Scoffing and 'T>erifion, 119
them from thofe mifchiefs, to which
their weakneis may expofe them^ re-
membring Itill , that God might have
changed the Scene , and made themfelves
what they fee others. It is part of Jobs
juftification of his integrity, that^^'Z^;^^
eies to the Blind , and feet to the Lame ,
Job. 25>. 2f.(/.^. ) he accommodated his
affiftancesto all the wants and exigencies
of others : and fure tis no lefs the part
of a good man to do it in the Mental
then in the Corporeal defecfts.
4. B u T alas many of us would ra-
ther put a Humbling block '\\\ the way
of the Blind, pull away the Crutch from
the Lame ; that we may fport our felves
to fee them tumble : Inch a fenfuality
we have in obferving and improving the
imperfedlions of others , that it is become
the grand excellence of the Age to be
Dextrous at it , and Wit ierves fome
men for little elle. We are got indeed
into a merry world , Laughing is our
main bufmefs- as if becaufe it has bin
made part of the Dehnition of man ,
that he is Rifible, his man- hood confin-
ed in nothing elfe. But alafs if that be
all the ulemen have of their underftand^
ings , they were given them to little pur-
pofe
I20 The Government of the T^ongue.
pole , fince mere Idiots can laugh with as
much plefure and more innocence then
they ; and it is a great inftance how ex^
tremes may be brought to meet , that the
excels of Wit in the one, and of Fol-
ly in the other, ferve to produce the
fame efFedt.
f. Y E T fo voracious is this humot
now grown , that it draws in every thing
to feed It. There is not game enough
from the reall folly of the world, and
therefore that which is the moil di-
ttant from it mult be ftampt with its
mark. Tis a known Itory of the Frief
who on a failing day bid his Capon
be Carp, and then very Canonically
ate it j and by fuch a tranfubftantiating
power our Wits bid all ierioufnefs and
conlideration be formality and foppe-
ry, and then under that name endeavor
to hunt it out of the world. I fear mo-
ral honefty fares not better with fome
of them then moral prudence. The old
Philofophical vertues of Juftice , Tempe-
rance , and Chaftity are now hift off the
llage , as fit only for the Antiquated fet
of A6tors , and he that appears in that
equipage , is by many thought more ri-
diculous , then he that walks the ftreetin
his
ECT. Vil. Of Scoffing andT>enJmK 12 1
his Anceftors uaiiik hole. Nay indeed
vice its felf is fcarce lecure \i it have not
the grand accompiifliment of impudence:
a-piiny blufliing iinner is to be laught
out of his Modeily , tho not out of his
fin 5 and to be proof againfl their fcorns,
he muit firlt be lo againft all the regrets
of his own mind.
6. A N D if mere Ethnic virtue , or
fliamefaced vice have this treatment ,
Chriilian Piety mufl expcd: worfe : and fo
indeed it finds, its profeflbrs being be-
yond ' all others expofed to their Icorn
and concemt. Nor is it ftrange it fliould
be fo, fuch men being made ^ as it is
Wifd. 2. 14. to reprove their ^jua'tes^
they think in their own defence they
are to deride theirs. This is it indeed
which gives a fecret iting and venem to
their reproches : other men they abufe
as an exercile of their Wit, but thefein
defence of the party. So Jidian after
his Apoftacy , thought it a more effectual
way to persecute the Chriilians by taunts
and ironies, then by racks and tortures,
as thinking it more poffible to fliame,
then fright them out of their religion.
And the ftratagem feems to have bin
reaffumed by many in this age, and I
CL fear
i2 1 The Government of the Tongue.
fear with too great faccels : for 1 doubt
not there are divers who have herded
themfelves amongft thele profane Scof-
fers , not that they are convinced by their
reafons^bat terrified by their contume-
lies,- and as fome Indians are faid to
worfliip the Devil, that he may not
hurt them- fo thefe chufe to be adlive,
that they may not be pafiive in the
contemts flung upon rehgion : fuch men
forget the dreadful denunciation of Chrill
againft thole that Ihall^^ ashamed of him
and his words. Mat. 8. 38.
7. As for thole whoj upon a jufter
ellimate , find the advantages of piety
worthy to be chofen , and take it with
all its accefllny ignominies, they have
the encouragement of very good com-
pany ii\ their fufFerings. The Pfalmift
long ago had his fiiare, when not only
Thofe that fate in the gate fpake againfi
him , hut the drunkards made fongs upon
him^ Plahn. 6c>. 12. Twasalfo the Pro-
phet y.'r^^^/>J complaint, / am in ^e-
rijion daily , enjery one mocketh me , Jer.
20. 7. Nay our bleflTed Lord himfelf was
derided in his life by the Pharisees,
Luke 16. 14,. mocked and reviled at his
death l)y the Pneits, the Elders j the
Sol.
Sect. VII. OfScffimgandT>eriJion. 123
Soldiers j nay by cafual paflengers, Mat.
27. 39. And fhall the fervant think
Jiimfelf greater then his Lord? Shall a
Chriftian exped: an immunity from what
his Savior has born before him? ( He
that do's fo, is too delicate a member for
a crucified head. ) No fure, let us rather
animate our (elves , as the Apoltle ex-
horts, by confidering him 'who as well de-
fpijed the shame , as endured the crops for
us, Heb. 12. ,>. and who has not only
given an example, but propofed a re-
ward, a Beatitude to thofewho are re-
viled for right eotifnefs Jake t Mat. 3. 11.
And when this is foberly ponder'd, twill
fure make it eafy for us to refolve with
holy 'David in a like cafe, / '■jjill be yet
morevile^ iSam. 6. 22.
8. But to return from this digrelli-
on • to thole who thus unhappily employ
their parts ) let me pi pole to thJiii,
that they would borrow every day fome
i^w minutes ftom their mirth, and ie-
rioully confider, whether this be (I need
not fay a Chriftian, but) a manly cx-
ercife of their faculties. Alas when they
have raUied out the day from one com-
pany to another, they may lum up their
account at night in the wife mans fi-
0^2 mile
124 The Government of the Tongue.
mile, their Laughter has bin but like the
crackling of Thorns under a pot , Ecckis.
6, 7. made a little brisk noife for the
prefent, and with the fparldcs perhaps
annoied their Neighbors, but what real
good has it brought to themfelves? All
that they can fancy is but tlie repute of
\Vit. But fare that migh: be attainable
fome other way. We find the world
atfeded to new things, and this of De-
riiion and abufeto others is fo beaten a
road , tliar perhaps the very variety of
a new way would render it acceptable.
They are the lighter fubilances that ftill
fwim away with the ftreani, the greater
and more Solid bodies do fometimes
Itop the current: and fure twere a no-
ble eflliy of a mans p^irts to ftem this
tide, and by a more ufeful application
of their own faculties, convince others
th^ theirs might be better emploied. Tis
iaid o£ i^nacharjis , that at a featt he
could not be got to fmile at the affedred
railleries of common Jeilers , but when
an ape was brought in he freely laught,
faying, an ape was ridiculous by nature,
but men by art and ftudy. And truly
lis a great contemt of human nature to
think^^ their intellefts were given them
foy
Sect. VII. Of Scoffing and T>eriJiGn, I2f
for no better end then to raife that
laughter, which a brute can do as well
or better.
p. I v/ould not be thought to recom*
mend f^jch a Stoical iournefs, as fliall
admit of nothing of the cheerful plea-
fant part of Converfation. God has
not fure bin more rigid to our Minds
then to our Bodies : and as he has not lo
devoted the one to toil, but that he al-
lows us fome time to excrcile them in
recreation as well as labors, fo doubtlefs
he indulges the fame relaxation to our
Minds : which are not alwaies to be fcrued
up to the height, but allowed to defcend
to thoie eafineffefs of Converfe , which
entertain the lower Faculties of the Soul.
Nor do I think thofe are ill emploied in
thofe little skirmiflies of Wit, which
pafs familiarly between intimates and ac-
quaintance? , which belides tlie prefent
divertifement, ferve to whet and quicken
the fancy. Yet 1 conceive this liberty
is to be bounded with fome Cautions :
as firft inthefeentercounters, the Charge
flionld be Powder not Bullets-, there fhould
nothing be faid that fhould leave any
ungrateful irnpreffions, or give any um-
brage of a fpightful intent. The world
wants
126 The Government of the Tongue.
wants not experiments of the mifchiefs
have happened by too fevere Railleries:
in fach Fencing jcil has proved carneft,
and Florets have oft turn'd to Swords, and
not onty the Friendfhip, but the Men have
fallen a Sacrifice to a ]cii,
19. Secondly this is to have the
fame reftr d:ion with all other recreati-
ons, that it be made a divertifement, not
a trade. Tis an infinuating thing, and is
apt to encroch too much upon our time,
and God knows we have a great deal of
bafinefs of this world, and much more
for the next, which will not be don with
laughing^, and therefore tis not for us
to play away too much of that time,
which is exad:ed by more ierious con-
cerns. Tis fure we fliall die in Earneft,
and it will not become us to live alto^
gether in Jeft. But befides this ftealth of
our time, tis apt to fteal away mens
hearts too, make them fo dote upon this
kind of entertainment, that it averts them
from any thing more lerious. I believe I
may appeal to iome who hav^e made this
their bufinefs, whether it go not againft
the hair with them to fet to any thing
elie: and having efpouled this as their
one excellence, they are willing to de-
cry
Sect. VII. OfScoffi?igandT>erifion, 127
cry all others , that they may the more
value themfelves upon this. By this
means it is , that the gift of Raillery has
in this Age , like the lean kine , devour-
ed all the more folid worthy qualificati-
ons , and is counted the molt reputable
accompliilmient. A ftrange inverted erti-
mate , thus to prefer the little ebullitions
of Wit , before folid reafon and judg-
ment. If they would accommodate their
Diet at the fame rate, they fliall eat
the Husk , rather then the Kernel , and
drink nothing but froth and bubbles. But
after all, Wifdum is commonly at long
running jultified even of her Defpilersj
theie great Idolaters of Wit often dafli-
ingthemielvesupon fuch Rocks , as make
them too latewilli, their Sailes had bin
lefs, and their Ballait more. For the
preventing therefore of more fuch wracks,
1 Willi the preient caution may be more
adverted to , not to beftow an unpropor-
tionable part of our time or value on
this flight exercife of mans llighteft Fa-
culty.
II. A third Caution in this matter , is
to confine our felves to prefent Com-
pany, not to make abfent Perfons the
Subjeft of our mirth. Thofe freedoms we
ufe
12 8 The Government of the Tongue.
uie to a mans face as they are common-
ly more moderate , io they are more e-
quitabie, becaule v/e expole our leives
to the Uke from hmi ^ but the back biowes
are difiiigenuous , and give fufpition we
intend nor a fair trial of Wit , but a co-
wardly murder of a maus fame. Twas
the precept of the Philoiopher , T>ende
n^'t the ahfent -^ and I think it may well
befo ot the Politician: there being no-
thing more imprudent as to our civil con-
cerns then the contrary liberty. For thole
things never die in the company they
arefirft vented in (^ nay perhaps the hearer
is not wilUng his wit Ihould fofoon ex-
pire •,) and when they once take air , they
quickly come to the notice of the de-
rided Perfon, and then nothing in the
world is more difobliging. Twas a fober
precept given one , not fo much as to
laugh in compliance with him that de-
rides another , for you will be hated by
him he derides. And if an accefiary be
hated , fure much more the principal : and
I think I may fay , there are many can
looner forgive a Iblemndeep contrivance
againlt them , then one of their jocular
reproches: for he that defigns leems to
acknowledg them coniiderable > but he
that
Sect. VII. Of Scoffing andT>€ri(ion, 129
that mocks them , feems to think them
too low for any thing but contemt : and
we learn from Ariftotle, that the me-
fure of anger is entirely taken thence i
men being lb far provoked, as they ima-
gine they were Ihghted or affronted.
In mere fecular wifdom it will there-
fore become men to confider, whether
this trade be like to turn to account, or
whether it be worth the while, at once
to make a jeft and an enemy.
12. And if it be imprudent to make
man our enemy, tis much more to make
God fo, by levelling our blovves^at any
thing facred: but of that I have already
had occalion to fpeak, and fliall not re-
pete 5 only give me leave to iay , that
belides the profaner fort of jefts, which
more immediately refled: on him, he is
concern'd in all the unjuft reproches of
our brethren , our love to them being
confirm'd by the fame divine Sandtion
with our reverence to him ; and fure no-
thing is more inconfiftent with that love,
then the expofing them to that contemt
we are our felves io impatient of. In a
word what repute foever this praftice now
has of Wit, it is very far from wifdom
to provoke. God that we mav alfo difob-
130 The Government of the Tongue.
ligeman: and if we will take the Scrip-
ture eiymate , we fhall find a Scorner is
no fuch honorable Epithet as we leem
to account it. Solomon do's almolt con-
ftantly fet it in oppofition to a Wife
man: thus it is, Prov. 9.8. and again
Chap. 13. I. and many other places 5 and
on the other fide , clofely links it with
the Fool : and thgt not only in title, but
m punifhment too , Judgments are fre^,
fared for [corners ^ and strifes for the back
offools^ Prov. 19. 25?. So that if our Wits
think not Solomon too dull for their Ca.
bal, wd lee what a turn he will give to
their prefent verdidt.
13. And if thefe reproches which
aim only- at oftentation of Wit, be lo un-
jullifiable, what fliall we lay to thole,
that are drawn with blacker lines , that
are founded in Malice or Envy , or
fome undermining defign? Every man
that is to be fupplanted cannot alwaies
be attaqued with a down-right battery:
perhaps his integrity may be fuch, that,
as twas faid of 'Daniel Chap. 6, 4. They
can find no occafion againfi him : and
when they cannot Ihake the main Fort,
they mult try if they can pollefs them-
felves of the out-works, railefomepreju^
dice
S E c T . VII. Of Scoffing andT>erifion, 131
dice againft his difcretion, his humor,
his carriage, and his moll extrirific ad-
herents , and if by reprefenting him ri-
diculous in any of thefe they can but a-
bate mens reverence to him , their con-
fidence of him will not long hold out ;
bare honefty without fome other adorn-
ment, being lookt on as a leaf-lefs tree,
no body will truft himfclf to its flielter.
Thus the enemies of Socrates, when they
could no other waies fupprels his reputa-
tion, hired Kyiriftothanes a Comic Poet
to perfonate him on the ftage, and by the
infinuationsof thofe interludes, infenfibly
conveied firft a contemt,and then a hatred
of him into the hearts of the people. But
I need not bring inftances of former times
in this matter, thefe being fufficiently verft
in that myftery.
14. I T is not ftrange that men of fuch
defigns, fliould fummon all their Wit
to the fervice , make their Railleries as
picquant as they can , that they may
wound the deeper : but methinks tis but
a mean office they affign their Wit , to
be ( 1 will not fay the Pander,, that be-
ing in this age fcarce a title of reproch,
but) the executioner or hangman to their
malice. Chrift bids us be wife as Ser.
R 2 fents^
1^2 The Government of the Tongue.
pents 5 yet adds withall harmlefs as DoveS'^
Mat. lo. 18. but here the Serpent has quite
eat up the Dove , and puts a Vultur in
the place) a creature of fuchfagacity and
dihgence inpurfuit of the prey, that tis
hard for any art or innocence to efcape
its talons.
If. There is yet another fort of
Contumehous Perfons, who indeed are
not chargable with that circumftance, of
ill employing their Wit, for they ufenone
in it. Thefe are people whofe fole ta-
lent is Pride and Scorn ^ who perhaps
hav^e attained the Sciences of dreffing
themfelves finely and eating 'well, and
upon the ftrength of thoic excellences,
look faftidioully , andfpeak difdainfuUy
on any who want them^ concluding
if a man fall fliort of their Garniture at
the Knees and Elbowes , he is much in-
ferior to them in the furniture of his
Head. Such people think crying, O ri-
diculous ! is an ample Confutation of a-
ny thing can be iaid -, and fo they can
but defpife enough, are contented not
to be able to fay why they do fo.
Thefe are, Iconfels, themoft innocent
kind of Deriders in relpeft of others ,
what they /ay having not edg enough
to
Sect. VII. Of Scoffing andT>eriJion. 133
to caiife any fiiiart. The greatett hurt
they do is to themlelves , who tho they
much need , yet are generally little ca-
pable of a refcue, and therefore I Ihall
not clog the preient difcourie , with any
advile to them : I fliall chufe rather to
conclude with enforcing my Suit to
the former , that they would foberly and
fadly weigh the account they muft one
Day give of the Emploiment of their
Parts, and the more they have hitherto
embeazled them, the more to endeavor
to expiate that unthriftinefs, by a more
careful Managery for the future j that fo
inftead of that vain, emty , vanifliing
Mirth they have courted here , they may
find a real , full , and eternal Satisfadioa
in the Joy of their Lord.
Sect.
134 The Government of the Tongue.
S E c T. VIII.
Of Flattery.
I . " I ^ H E laft of Verbal injuries to
Jl our Neighbor which I ill all men-
tion , IS Flattery. This is indeed the fa-
talleft wound of the Tongue , carries leall
Smart but infinitly more of Danger, and
is as much fuperior to the former ^ as a
Gangrene is to a Gall or Scratch j this
may be fore and vexing, but that ftu-
pifymg and deadly. Flattery is fuch a
Myftery, fuch a Riddle of iniquity; that
its very foftnelles are its cruelleft ri-
gor,. Its Balm corrodes, and (to com-
prize all in the Pfalmifts excellent D -
fcription ) its ''juords are fmoother then
oiU and yet be they t'ery fwords. Pfalra.
56. 21.
2. But befides the mifchiefs of it to
the Patient, tis the moft diflionoring ,
the moft vilifying thing to the Agent.
I fhall not need to empannel a Ju-
ry either of Moralilts or Divines, eve-
ry
Sect. Vlll. Of Flattery, 135
ry mans own breaft fufficiently ihltruct-
ing him in the unworthinefs of it. Tis
indeed a Colleftive accumulative Bale-
ne(s, it being in its Elements a compound
and a complex of the mod fordid , hateful
qualities incident to Mankind. I (hall
inftance in three, viz. Lying, Servility,
and Trecheiy, which being detellably
deform'd fingle , mull: in Conjundion
make up a loathfom Monllrous guilt.
Now tho Flattery has two Branches, yet
thele lie fo at the Root as equally to in-
fluence both : for whether you take it
asitisthegivingofpraife where it is not
due, or the profefling of kindnefs which
is not real , thefe Properties are Hill its
Conftitutive parts.
3. And firft we may take Lying to
be the very corner Stone of the Fa-
bric ^ for take it away, and the Whole
falls to the ground. A Parafite would
make but a lean trade of it , that
fliould confine himfelf to truth. For
tho tis poflible fo to order ,the manner
and circumitances, as to flatter even in
the reprefenting a mans real vertues to
him , yet commonly if they do not fal-
flfy as to the kind, they are forc'd to do
it as to the degree. Befides as there are
but
136. The Government of the Tongue.
but few fuch lubjedts of Flattery, fo nei-
ther are men of that Worth fo receptive
of it. Such fort of addreffes are lefs dan-
gerous to thofe who have the perfpicaci-
ry to fee thro them : fo that thefe Mer-
chants are under a neceffity of deahng
with the more ignorant Chapmen, and
with them their counterfeit wares will go
off belt. It is indeed Itrange to confi-
der, with what grofs impudent talshoods
men of this trade will court their Pa-
trons. How many in former ages have
not only amafs'd together all lublunary
excellences , but have even ranfacked
heaven to fupply their Flattery, Deified
their Princes, and perfwaded them they
were Gods , who at laft found they
were to die like men ? And tho this ftrein
be now out-dated, yet perhaps tis not
that the vice is grown more modeft, but
that Atheifm has rob'd it of that To-
pic. Thofe that beHeve no God, would
rather feem to annihilate then magnify the
perfon to whom they Ihould apply the
title. But I do not find that the pradtice
has any other bounds. A great mans
vices fhall ftill be called vertuesj his de-
formities, beauties- and his mofl: abfurd
follies, the height of ingenuity. Such a
fubtil
Sect. VIII. Of Flattery. 137
fubtil Alchymilt is this Parafite, that he
turns all he touches into gold, imagina-
ry indeed as to the deluded Perfon, but
oft-times real to himfelf. Nor is Lying
lefs natural to the other part of Flatte-
ry, the Profeilion of fervice and kind-
nefs. This needs no evidencing, and to
attemt it would be a felf-Confutation:
for if thofe Profeffions be true, they
ai*e not Flattery , therefore if they be
Flattery, they muft needs be Lies. It
will be almoft as needlefs to expatiate on
the Bafenefs and meanefs of that fin • for
tho there is no Subjeil that affords more
matter for Declamation, yet Lying is a
thing that is adiamed of it ielf, and there-
fore may well be remitted to its own con-
vidlions. Ti s AriBotles obfervation, that
all Elements but the Earth, had fome
Philofopher or other , that gave it his
vote to be the firft produd:ive Principle
of all things : and I think we may now
fay, that all Crimes have had their A-
bettors and fautors , fome body that
would ftand up in their defence ; only
Lying IS fo much the dregs and refufe of
wiekednefs that none has yet had Chy-
miftry enough to fublimate it, to tring
it into fuch a reputation, that any man
S will
1 38 The Government of the Tongue.
will think fit to own It • the greater won-
der that what is under fb univcrfal a re-
proch, (hould be fo commonly admitted
in practice. But by this wc may make
an eftimate^ what the whole body of
Flattery is. when in one limb of it we
find fb much corruption*
4. A Second is Servilityland Abje<Stnef$
of humor : and of this there needs no
other proof then has bin already given 5
this charge being implicitly involved in
the former of Lying, the condefcending
to that> being a mark of a difingenuous
Ipirit. And accordingly the nobler Hea-
thens lookt on It as the vice of Slaves and
vaflalSj below the liberty of a free man,
as well as an honeft. But tho I need no
other evidence to make good the accu-
fation, yet every Sycophant furniifhesme
with many fupernumerary proofs. Look
upon fuch a one^ and you fhall lee his
eies immoveably fixton his Patrons face,
watching each look, each glance, and
in every change of his countenance ( like
a Star-gazer} reading his own deftiny,
his Ears chained (like gally-flaves at the
oar) tohisdi(9:ate, fucking in the moft
infipid difcourfes with as much greedi-
iiefs, as if they were the Apothegms of
the
Sect. VIII. Of Flattery. 139
the {Q,vcn. Sages, his Tongue tuned only
to Panegyrics ^nd acclamations, his feet
in winged motion upon every nod or
other fignification of his plefure : in a
word) his whole body ( as if it had no
other animal fpirits then what it derived
from him) varies its poftures, its exerci^
fes, as he finds agreeable to the humor he
is to ferve. And can humanity contrive
to debafe it felf more ? Yes it can, and
do's too often, by enflaving its Diviner
part too, taking up not only opinions^
but even crimes alfo in compliance, play-
ing the incarnate Pevil , and helping
to ad thofe villanies which Satan can
only fuggeft : and if this be not a ftate of
abjedl Uavery, fure there is none in the
world. Tlutarch tells us, that Thiloxenm
for defpifing fbme dull Poetry of *Dio^
nyfitiSi was by him condemned to dig in
the quarries: from whence being by the
mediation of friends remanded, at his
return T)ionyfius produced fome other of
his verfes , which as ibon as Vhiloxe^
nus had readj he made no reply, but
calling to the waiters, faid, Let them
carry me again to the quarries. And if
a heathen Poet could prefer a corporeal
flavery before a mental , what name of
S 2 i:e-
140 The Government of theTongae.
reproch is low enough for thole, who
can fubmit to both, in purfuit of thofe |
poor fordid advantages they project by
their Flatteries. Nor is this bafenefs
more obfervable in thefe mean fawnings
and obfervances , then it is in the pro-
teilations of kindnefs and Friendlhip.
Love is the greatett gift any man has
to beftow, and Friendlhip the facredeft
of all moral bonds : and to proftitute
thele to httle pitiful defigns, is liire one
of the bafeft cheats we can put upon
our common nature , in thus debafing
her pureit and moft current coin, which
by thefe frequent adulterations is become
fo fiifpeded, thatfcarce any man knows
what he receives. But Chriftian Chari-
ty is yet worfe ufed in the c^le : for
that obliging to all fincerity , is here-
by induced to give gold for drofs, ex-
hibite that Love indeed , and in tmth^
which is returned only in word and in
^onguey I. Joh. 3.18. And fo it do*s in
thofe who obferve its rules ; but in thofe
who o\yn, yet obferve them not, tis
yet a greater fuflferer by larboring under
the fcandal of all tneir diffimulations.
|t was once the Character given ChriT
lli^ns 5 cvea by their pnemies, Behold
^ bow
Sect. VlIL • Of Flattery. 141
how they love one another : but God
knows we may now be pointed out by
a very differing mark. Behold how they
deceive and delude one another. And
fare this violation we herein offer to our
religion , do's not allay but aggravate
the bafenefs of this pradlice: for if in
the other we fell our felves, in this we
fell our God too, facrifice our intereft
in him to get a furreptitious title to the
favor of a man. And this I conceive
do's in the lecond place not much com-
mend the art of Flattery, which is built
up of fb vile materials.
f . A N D to compleat this infamous
compoficion , in the third place Treche*
ry comes in j a crime ot fo odious a
kind, that to name it is to implead it:
yet how intrinfic a part this is of Flat-
tery, will need no great skill to evidence,
daily experience fufficiently doing it. Tis
a common obfervation of Flatterers, that
they are like the Heliotrope, open only
towards the fun , but (hut and contract
themfelves at night, and in cloudy wea-
ther. Let the object of their adoration
be but eclipfed, they can fee none of
thofe excellences which before dazled
their eies : and however inconftant they
may
14^ The Government of the Tongue.
may feem in it to others , they are indeed
very conftant to themfelves, true to their
fixt principle , of courting the greatnels
not the man • in purfuit whereof their
old Idol is often made a facnfice to their
new : all malicious difcovery is made of
their falling friend, to buy an intereft
in the riling one. Of this there are fuch
crouds of examples in Story , that it
would be impertinent to fingle out any,
cfpecially ia an age that is fitter to fur-
nifli prefidents for the tuture, then to
borrow of the paft times. But fuppo-
fing the Parafite not actually guilty of
this bafe revolt, (which fet he feldom
fails to be upon occafion ) yet is he no left
Trecherous even in the height of his
Blandilliments ^ and while he moft courts
a man, he do's the moft ruinoufly under-
mine him. For firft he abufes him in his
underitanding , precludes him from that
which wile men have judged the moft
cflential part of Learning, theknowledg
of himlelf, from which tis the main bu-
finefs of the Flatterer to divert him. And
to this abufe there is another inevitably
confequent : for this ignorance of his
faults or follies, necefiarily condemns hini
to the continuing ia them, it being im-
pollii.
Sect. VIIL Of Flattery. 143
poffible for him to think of correfting
either the one or the other, who is made
believe he i> as neither. This is like the tre-
chery of a bribed officer in a Garrifbn,
who will not let the weak parts be for-
tified, and laies the man as open to aflaults,
as that doth the Town. Yet this is not
all) he do's not only provide for the conti-
nuance, but the improving of his crimes
and errors, which alas are too prolific
of themfelves , but bemg cultivated and
manured with perpetual foothings and
encouragements, grow immefurably luxu-
riant. And accordingly we fee that men
ufed only to applaufes , are fofwell'dwith
them, that their infolences are intolera-
ble. And this they are fomtimes taught
to their coft, when they happen among
free men , who will not fubmit to all
they fay , nor commend all they do.
And finding thefe uneafiy contradidli-
ons when they come abroad , they are
willing to retire to their moil complai-
fant company : and fo this Sycophant
Devil having once got them within his
circle, may enchant thejn as he pleafes,
lead them from one wickednefs to an-
other. And as Caligula and other vo-
luptidous Emperours , by being adored
as
144 The Government of the Tongue.
as Gods, iiink in their fenfuality below
the Nature of man , fo thefe celebrated
Perfons are by chat falfe veneration a-
nimatedtoall thofe reprochful praftices,
which may expole them to a real contemt:
their follies, as well as their vices ftill get
head, till they anfwer the defcription the
Wile man gives of the old Giants, Who
fellarjuay in the firength of their foolishnefs.
EccI* 16.7.
6. A N D fure he that betraies a man
to all thefe mifchiefs, may well be thought
perfidious. But that which infinitly am^
plifies and enhances the Trechery is,
that all this is adted under the notion
and dilguifeof afriend 5 a relation fo ve-
nerable, that methinks tis the neareft (e-
cular tranfcript of the treafon, which is
ftoried of thofe who have adminiftred
Poifbn in the Eucharift. The name of a
friend is fuch an endearment, as nothing
human can equal. All other natural or
civil ties take their greateft force from
this. What fignifies an unfriendly Parent,
or Brother, or Wife ? Tis friendfhip only
that is the cement which really and effe-
ftively combines mankind : and there-
fore we may obferve , that God reckon-
ing up other relations , illuftrates them
by
Sect. VIII. Of Flattery. 14^
by feveral notes of" endearment , but
when he comes to that of friendfliip, tis
the friend ixjho is as thine oij^n fouU Deut.
13.6. nothing below the highelt initance
was thought exprellive enough of that
union. XVhat a Legion of fiends then
pofTefTeth men that can break thefe chains
Mat. f . 4. nay that can hammer and
forge thole very chains into Daggers and
Stillettoes, and make their friendlhip an
engine of rume? This is certainly the
blacked color wherein we can viewaPa-
rafite , his falle light makes the iliadow the
more di final. As the Ape has a peculiar
deformity above other brutes by that
aukward and ungraceful lefemblance he
has to a man, fo fure a Flatterer is in-
finitely the more hateful for being the
ugly Counterfeit of a Friend. And as
this Trechery lies at the bottom of the
Panegyrics, fo alfo do's it of all the carefles
and exuberant kindnefs of a Flatterer 5
which if they aimed not at any parti-
cular end of circumvention, mult yet in
the general be trecherous by being falfe.
A man looks on the love of his friend as
one of the richeil pofleffions (upon which
account the Philofopher thought friends
were to be Inventoried as well as goods.)
T What
/
ij^6 The Government of the Tongue.
Vliat a uetcat and diicomhtiire is it to a
man when he comes to iife this wealth,
to find it all fal(e metall , fuch as will
not aniwer any of thofe piirpoles for
v/hich he depended on it. There cannot
fure be a greater Trechery , then firft to
raife a confidence and then deceive it. Bat
befides this fundamental fallenefs, there
are alio many incidental Trecheries,
which fail in upon occafion of particular
defigns. A pretence of kindnefs is the
univerfal ftale to all bafe projects : by this
men are rob'd of their fortunes, and wo-
men of their honor : in a word all the
woififli defigns walk under this ftieeps
clothing; and as the world goes, men
have more need to beware of thole who
call themfelves friends, then thofe who
own themfelv^es enemies.
'7. These are the lineaments of this
vice of Flattery, which fure do toge-
ther make up a face of molt extreme de-
formity. I might upon a true account
add another , and charge it with folly too.
I am fure according; to the Divine efti-
mate it is alwaics io: and truly it do's
not fcldom prove fo in the fecular alfo.
Men of this art do fbmtiraes drop their
vizard before they have got the prife,
and
Sect. VIIL Of Flattery. 146
and then there is nothing in i\\t world
that appears fo conremtible , lb iilly ; a
barefaced Flatterer being every bodies
fcorn. The fliorcis, wherever this game
is plaied there is aiv/aies a tool in the
cafe ; ii the paraiite be detected , it falls
to his fliare : if he b^ not , to his v/hom
he deludes. But at the bell tis but fub-
tilty and cunning he can bowift or j and
if he can in his own fancy raife that to
the opinion of true Wifdom, tis a iign
he IS come round to practice his deceits
upon himfelf , and is as much his own
Flatterer as he has bin others.
8. An D now I know not whether it
be more fliame or wonder , to fee that
men can fo put offingcnuity , and the na-
tive grearnefs of their kind, as to d.^-
fcend to fo bafe,fo ignoble a \ico: yet alas
we daily fee it don , and that not only by
the fcum and refufe of the people , fuch
as Job ipeaks of, "who are viler then the
earth. Chap. 30. 8. but by Perfons of all
conditions. Flattery like a fpring forc'd
upwards afcends, as cares are by the wile
man faid to defcend, Ecclus. 40. ^.from
him that weareth a linen frock to him
thatweareth a crown: allintermedial de-
grees are but like pipes 5 which as tliey
T 2 fuck
148 The Government of the Tongue.
luck from below , ib tranfmit it Itill up-
wards. There are few fo low but find
fome body to cajole and Hatter them.
Some intereft or other may fometimcsbe
to be ferved even upon the meaneft, and
thole that find themrelvcs thus folicitcd
for benefits , are eafily taught by it how
to addrels to their immediate fuperiors,
from whom they cxpedl greater : and as
tis thus handed from one rank to an-
other , the art ftill is more fubtilized and
refined (God help poor Princes the while,
who Commonly meet with the Elixir,
and quinteflence of this venem : ) and
thus it pafles thro all ftates and conditions:
as they are paffive on the one fide , and
are flattered by fome , fo they are adive
on the other , and flatter others.
5>. I fay all conditions , I do not fay all
Perfons inthofe conditions , tor no truly
, generous foul can Hoop fo low : but tis too
evident to what a low ebb Generofity as
well as Chriftianity is grown, by the
numbers of thofe who thus degrade them-
felves, every little petty intereft being
thought worth thefe bafe fubmifiSons.
And truly it is hard to find , by what To-
pic of perfwafion to afl^ault fuch men. The
meannels, or the fin will fcarce bediffwa-
• ' fives
Sect. Vlll. Of Flattery, 149
fives to thole who have reconciled
themfelves to both : if any thing can be
pertinently iaid to them 5 it mult be up-
on the fcore of Intereft , for that being
their grand principle, they can with no
pretence difclame the inferences drawn
thence.
10. Let them therefore duly bal-
lance the advantages they project from
this practice with themifchicts and dan-
gers of It. What they expect is common-
ly either Honor or wealth, thefe they
hope may be acquired by their proitra-
tions to thofe , who can difpcnfeor pro-
cure them. Tis true , as Honor fignifies
Greatnefs and power, it is fometimes
attained by it 5 but then as it fignifies
Reputation and eftecm , tis as fure to be
lolt. He that thusafcends , may be lookt
on with tear, bnt never with reverence.
Now 1 think tis no good bargain to ex-
change this fecond notion of Honor for
the firll : for befides the difterence in the
intrinfic vahie, tis to be confider'd how
tottering a Pinaclc unmerited Greatneis
is. He that rais'd him to fatisfy his hu-
mor at one time , can ( with more eafe
and equal jiiltice) throw him down at
another: and when fuch a man do's fall>
: he
I f o The Government of the Tongue.
he falls as without pity , fo without re-
medy J has no foundation on which to
rebuild his fortune. His Sycophanting
arts being detected, that Game is not to
be plaid the fecond time : whereas a man
of a clear reputation 5 tho his barque be
iplit , yet he favcs his Cargo , has fome-
thing left towards letting up again , and
ib'is incapacity of receiving benefit not ,
only from his own induftry , but the
friendfliip of others. A found piece of
Timber, if it be not thought fit for one
life , yet will be laid by for another; and
an honeft man will probably at one time
or other be thought good for fome-
thing.
II. As for the other aim, that of Wealth,
tis very poffible that may fometimes be *
compalled ; and well it may, the flatterer,
having feveral Springs to feed it by. For
he that has a great Patron, has the ad-
vantage of his countenance and Autori-
ty,he has that of his bounty and libera-
lity ) and he has another (fometimes great-
er then both) that of his negligence
and deceivablenels. But yet all chele
acquifitions are many times like Fairy
mony, what is brought one night is taken
^v/ay the next. Men of this mold fel-
dom
Sect. VIII. Of Flattery, i j i
dom know how to bear prolperity tem-
perately, and it is no new thing to fee
a Privado carr}'' it fo high, as to awaken
the jealouf^^ of his promoter, which be-
ing affiited by the bufy induftiy of thofe
who envy his fortune, twill be eafy e-
nough to find fome flaw in his Gettings,
by which to unravel the whole Web:
an event that has bin oft experimented
not only in the private managery of Fa-
milies, but in the moil public admini-
ftrations. And thefe are luch hazards,
that laid all together would much recom-
mend to any the Moral of Horaces Fa-
ble , and make one chule the Country
Monies plain fare and fafety, rather then
the delicacies of the City with fo much
danger. This then is the ftate of the
profperous Paraiite: but alas how many
are there who never arrive to this, but
are kickt down ere they have climb'd
the two or three firft rounds of the Lad-
der , whole defigns are fo humble , as
not to aipire above a Major-Domo,
or fome fuch domeitic preferment,
(for in this trade there are adventurers
of all fizes. ) But upon all thefe
confidcrations , methinks it appears no
very inviting one to any. At the long
rUn
1 52 The Government of the Tongue.
run an honeft freedom of fpeech will
more recommend a man, then all thele
iheaking datteries : we have a very wife
mans word for it , he that* rebuketh a
rnan-i ajter^-jnards shall find more favor ^
then he that flatter eth ^-jo'tthhis Up. Pro.
28.23.
12. But after all that hath or can
be faid, the fuppreffion of Flattery will
moft depend upon thoi'e Perfons to whom
it IS addrell : if it be not repuls'd there,
nothing elfe will difcourage it, and if it
be, ris cruflit in the egg, and can pro-
duce no viper. Thefe Vulturs prey only
on carcafles, on fuch ftupid minds, as have
not life and vigor enough to fray them a-
way. Let but Perfons of quality enter-
tain fuch cu Homers with a fevcre brow,
with fome fmart expreffion of dillike,
thofe Leeches will immediatly fall off. In
Sparta when all laws againft theft prov'd
nieffedlual, at lail they fixt the penalty on
them that were rob'd , and by that did
thebulinefs: and in the prefent cafe, if
twere made as infamous to be flatter'd
as tis to flatter, I believe it might have
the like effect. Indeed there is pretence
enough to make It fo : for firit as to Wit,
ths advantage is clear on the Flatterers
de
Sect. VIII. OfFlattny. ly^
fide: he mufl: be allowed to have more
of that (which in this age is more then
a counterpoife to honefty % } and as for
vertuc 3 the balance ( as to the principal
motive } (eems to hang pretty even : tis
the vice of Avarice tliat temts the one to
Flatter, and the vice of Pride that makes
it acceptable to the other. The truth is,
there is. the bottom of the matter: tis
that fecret confederate within, that ex-
pofes men to thofe aflaiiks from with-
out. We have generally fuch an appe-
tite to praife, that we greedily fuck it in
without Haying to examine whether it be-
long to us or no, or whether it be defign'd
as a kindnefs or an abule. Other injuries
rufli upon us with violence, and give us
notice of their approch : they may be
faid to come like 'ujoter into oar bo'-joels ^
but this like oilinto our bones Pfa. 109. 18.
penetrates eafily, undifcernibly , by help
of that native propenfion we have to re-
ceive it. Tis therefore the near concern
of all, efpecially of thofe whofe quality
moft expofes them, to keep a guard up-
on that trecherous inmate, not to let
that ftep into the fcale to make a bafe Sy-
cophant out'Weigh a true friend > and
when ever tliey are attaqued with ex-
U trava-
I f 4 The Government of the Tongue.
travagant Encomiums, let them fortify
themfel 7es with this Dilemma , Either
they have thole excellences they are prai-
fed for , or they have not : if they have
not, tis an apparent cheat and gull, and he
isofapittiful forlorn underftanding that
delights to be fooFd : but if they have,
they are too good to be expofed to fuch
worms who will inftantly wither the
faireft gourd, Jon. 4. 7.
For as it is faid of the Grand Signior^
that no grafs growes where his horfe
once treads : fo we may fay of the Flat-
terer, no vertue ever profpers where he
is admitted : if he find any he hugs it
till he ftifles it , if he find none , he
fo indifpofes the foil, that no future feeds
can ever take root. In fine , he is a
mifchief beyond the defcription of any
Character. O let not men then ad this
Part to themlelves by being their own
parafites! and then twill be an eafy thing
to efcape all others.
Sect.
S E c T . IX. OfBoaBing, iff
S E C T. IX.
Of Boajling.
I. T 71 7E have nowfeen fomc cfFeds
V V of an ungovern'd Tongue , as
they relate to God and our Neighbor.
There is yet a third fort which refled: up-
on amansfelf So unboundedly mi fchie-
vous is that petulant member , that hea-
ven and earth are not wide enough for its
range , but it will find work at home tooj
and like the viper , that after it had de-
voured its companions , prei*d upon its
lelf, fo it corrodes inward , and be-
comes often as fatal to its owner , as to
all the world befides.
2. Of this there are as many inftan-
cesj as there are imprudent things faid,
for allfuch have the worft refledion up-
on the fpeaker : and therefore all that
have given rules for civil life , have iw
order to it put very fevere reftraints
upon the Tongue, that it run not be-
fore the judgment. Twas the advice of
Zeno
t-^.^
1 fo 1 he Government of the Tongue.*
Zeno to dip the 'Tovgue in the mtiid be-
fore one should permit it to Ipeak. Theo-
phrafius u(ed to fay , It 'wa^s fafer tr lifting
to an unbridled horfe ^ theyi to intemperate
Jpeech, And daily experience confirms the
Aphorilhi ; tor thofe that fet no guard up-
on their Tongues are hurried by them
into a thouiand indecences, and very
often into reall confiderable mifchiefs.
By this means men have proved their
own delators , difcovered their own moft
important lecrets : and whereas their
heart should have kept a lock upon their
Tongue , they have given their Tongue
the key of their heart , and the event has
bin oft as unhappy as the proceeding
was prepofteroLis. There are indeed fo
many waies for men to lofe themlelves
in their talk, that I should do the like
if I should pretend to trace them. Be-
fides my fubjedt leads me not to dilcourfe
Ethically , but Chriitianly of the faults
of the Tongue , and therefore I have
all along confidered the one no farther
then it happens to be twilled with the o-
ther.
3 . I N die prefent cafe I shall infift
only upon one fault of the Tongue, which
partakes of both kinds, and it is at once
Sect. IX. OfBoafting. i^y
a vice and a folly , I mean that of Boait-
ing and vaunting a mans felf : a ftrein
to which fome mens tongues have a
wonderful giibnefs. No difcourfe can be
adminiftred , but they will try to turn
the Tide > and draw it all into their own
Chanel , by entertaining you with long
ftories of themfeives : or if there be no
room for that j they will at leaft icrew in
Jiere and there fome intimations of what
they didorfli:d. Yea foflupida vanity is
thisjthat it works alike upon all materials :
not only their greater and more dluftrioiis
ad:s or fcntences, but even their moll
llii^htand trivial occurrences, by being
theirs 5 thev think accpire a confiderable-
nefs^and are forcibly impofed upon the
Company •, the veiy dreams of fiich peo-
ple Itrait commence prophei)^ , and are as
lerioufly related, as it tliey were undoubt-
ed revelations. And liire if we refled:
,upon our Saviors rule, th:x Out of the
abundance of the heart the mouth jpeak*
^r/^ , we cannot but think thefe m^^n arc
very full of themfeives , and x.o befo^is
but another phrafefor being very Proud.
So tis Pride m the heart, 'which is the
Ipring that feeds this perpetual current
at the mouth , and under that notion we
are to confider it. 4. And
1 58 The Government of the Tongue.
4. And truly there is nothing can
render it more infamous, Pride being a-
vice that of all others is the moft brand-
ed in Scripture as moft deteftable to
God:,and is fignalized by the punishment
to be fo. This turned Lucifer out of
Heaven , Nebuchadnezzar out of his
Throne , nay out of Human fociety. And
indeed it feems ftill to have fomething
of the fame efFed: , nothing rendring a
man fo inconfiderable J for it fets him
above the meaner fortof company , and
makes him intolerable to the better, and
to complete the parallel, he feldom comes
to know himfelf till he be turn'd a graz-
ing, be reduced to fome extrerhities.
f . B u T this Boalling arrogant hu-
mor, tho alwaies bad , yet is more or lefs
fo according to the Subjed: on which it
works. If it be only on Natural exceL
iences , as Beauty , Wit •, or accidental
acquifitions , as Honor , Wealth , or the
like , yet even here tis not only a Theft,
butaSacriledg. the glory of thole being
due only to the Donor, not to the re-
ceiver , there being not fo much as any
predifpofition in the fubjed: to deter-r
mine Gods bounty. He could have made
the moft deformed Beggar as handfom
and
i> E c T . IX. OfBoaJlmg. i ^p
and as rich , as thole who moft pride
themfelres in their wealth and beau-
ty. No man fancies himfelf to be his
own Creator, and tho fome have aflam-
cd to be the Architeds of their own
fortunes , yet the frequent defeats of
mens induftry and contrivance, do fuffi-
ciently confute that bold pretence, and
evince that there is fomething above
them > which can either blaft or profper
their attemts. What an invafion then
is it of Gods right, to ingrofs the honor
of thofe things being don , which were
not at all in their power to do? And
fure the folly is as great in refpe(9: of
men, as the fin is towards God. This
boafting like a heavy Nurfe , overlaies
the Child, the vanity of that quite drowns
the notice of the things in which tis
foundedj and men are not fo apt to fay,
fuch a man is Handfom, Wife, or Great,
as that he is proud upon the fancy of
being fo. In a word he that celebrates
his own excellences , muft be content
with his own applaufes , for he will get
none of others , unlefs it be from thofe
fawning Sycophants , whofe praifes are
worfe then the bittereft Detraction.
6. A N D yet fo fottilh a vice is Pride,
that
i6o The Government of the Tongue,
that It can make even thole inlidious
Flatteries matter of boaft, which is a much
more irrational object of it then the
former. How eagerly do fome men pro-
pagate every little Encomium their Pa-
ralites make of them ? With what guft
and fenfuality will they tell how fuch a
Jeft of theirs took, or fuch a Magnifi-
cence was admired ? Tis plefant to fee
what httle Arts and dexterities they have
to wind in fuch things mto difcourfe:
when alas it amounts to no more then this,
that fome have thought them fools e-
nough to be flatter'd, and tis odds but
the hearers will think them enough fo
to be laught at.
/.But there is yet another Subjeft
of Boafting more foolish, and more crimi-
nal too then either of the former, and
that is when men vaunt of their Piety,
which if it were true, were yet lefs ow-
ing to themfelves then any natural en-
dowment. For tho we do not at all affifl:
towards them , yet do we neither ob-
ftruft •, but in the operations of Grace
tis otherwife j we have there a principle
of oppofition, and God never makes us
his own till he fubdue that: and tho he
do it not by an irrefiftible force, but by
fuch
Sect. IX. Of Boajiing, i6i
fuch fweet and gentle inlinuations, that
we are fometimes captivated ere we are
aware : yet that do's not impeach his
right of conqueft , but only iJiews him
the more gracious conqueror. Tis true
in refped: of the event we have great
caufe of exultance and joy, Gods lervice
being the moil perfed: freedom : yet in
regard of the efficiency , we have as
little matter of Boaft , as the furprized
City has in the triumphs of its vidlor.
8. But lecondly either this vaunted
Piety is not reall, and then tis good for
nothing , or elfe by being vaunted be-
comes fo. If it be not reall, tis then the
fuperadding Hypocrify to the former fa-
criledg, and attemt at once to rob God
and cheat men, and in the event ufually
renders them hateful to both •, to God
(who cannot be mocked} it do's fo at
ihe inftant, and ieldom mifles to do fb
atlafttomen. An Hypocrite has a long
part to ad , and if his memory fail him
but in any one fcene, his play is fpoiled:
fo that his hazards are fo great, that tis a^
little prudent as tis honeit to fet up the
trade, efpecially in an age when Piety it
felf is at fo low a price 5 that its coun-
terfeit cannot pafs much. But if the
X piety
1 62 The Government of the Tongue.
Piety be indeed true , the Boalting it
blalts it , makes it utterly infignificant.
This we are told by Chrtfi himlelf, who
afllires us, that even the moll Chriftian
actions of praier, almes, and falling,
mull expert no other reward ( when
boalted) then the fouglit-for applaule of
men. Mat. 6. When a man fliall make
his own tongue the trumpet of his Alms,
or the echo of hisPraiers, he carves, or
rather fnatches his own reward, and mull
not look God fhould heap more upon
him : the recompence of his pride he may
indeed look for from him, but that of his
vertue he has foreftall'd. In Ihort, piety is
like thole lamps of old, which main-
tained their light Ibme Ages under ground,
but as foon as they took air expired. And
furely there cannot be a more deplora-
ble folly , then thus to loofe a rich je-
wel , only for the pittiful plefine of
fliewing it : its the humor of Children
and Idiots, who m.uft be handling their
birds till they fly away, and it ranks us
with them in point of difcretion , tho
nor of innocence.
^. From the view of thele particu-
lars we may in the grofs conclude that
this oilentation is a moll foolifh fin, fuch
as
SECT. IX. OfBoafting. 173
^s never brought in advantage to any
man. There is no vice fo undermines it
lelf as this do's : tis glory it leeks , and in
ftead of gaining that, it lofes com-
mon ordinary eitimation. Every body
that lees a bladder puft up, knows tis
but wind that fo fwellsit: and there is
no Hirer argument of a light frothy brain
then this bubbling at -the mouth. Indeed
there is nothing renders any man fo con-
temtible ^ fo utterly ufelefs to the world :
it excludes him almoil from all com-
merce, makes him un capable of receiving
or doing a benefit. No man will do him
, a good turn, becaufe he forelees he will ar-
rogate it to himfelf, as the efFed: of his me-
rit : and none ( that are not in fome great
exigence) will receive one from him, as
knowing it shall be not only procla-
med , but magnified much above the trua
worth. There leemstobebut one pur-
pofe for which he lerves, and that is to
be fport for his company : and that he
leldom fails to be , for in thelc gamefomo
daies men will not lofe fuch an oppor-
tunity of diveitifement, and therefore
will purpofely give him hints, which
may put him upon his Rhodomontades.
I do not fpeak this by way of encourage?
X 2 riiea^
1 64 The Government of the Tongue.
ment to tliem , but only to shew thele
yaporers> to what fcorn they expofe
themfelves, and what advantage they
give to any that have a mind to abufe
them : for they need not be at any pains
for it, they do but fwim with their ftream-,
an approving nod or fmile, ferves to
drive on the defign , and make them dif-
play themfelves more difadvantagioufly,
more ridiculoully , then the moil Satyri-
cal Chara<5ter could poflibly do.
10. But befides thefe fportive pro-
jed:s, fuch a man laies him lelf open to
more dangerous circumventions. He that
shews hiitifelf fo enamour'd of praile y
that ( Narc/jffus like } dotes on his own
reilediions , is a fit prey for Flatterers,
and fuch a Carcafe will never want
thofe Eagles : when his weak part is once
<lifcern'd ( as it muft foon bewhenhim^
ielf publishes It) he shall quickly be fur-
rounded with alTailants. The laft Sed:i-
on has shewed the miiery of a man fb
befeiged , therefore I shall not enlargQ
on it here 5 this mention being only in-
tended to evince how apt this vain glo-
tious liumor is to betray men to it.
1 1 . T H E s E are competent Speci-
jnens of the folly of this vice; but it has yec
• / atar-r
Sect. IX. OfBoaJiing. i6f
iafarther aggravation, that it precludes all
means of growing wifer: tis Solomons
aflertion, SeeB thou a man wife in his
(ywn conceit ? there is more hope of a Fool
then of him. Pro. 26. 12. Andtherealbn
is evident , for he difcards the two grand
inftriiments of inltrucStion , Admonition
and Oblervation. The former he thinks
fuperfeded by his own Perfediions, and
therefore when any fuch friendly office
is attemted towards him, he imputes
it either to Envy , and a dcfire to eclipfe
his luftre by finding fome fpot , or elle
to Ignorrnce and incapacity of eftimat-
ing his worth : the one he entertains with
Indignation, the other with difdainful
Pity. As for Obfervation, hefocircum-
fcribes it within himfelf, that it can ne-
ver fetch in any thing from without.
Reading of men has bin by fome thought
the molt facile and expedite Method
for acquiring Knowledgj and fure for
Ibme kinds of Knowledg it is : but then
a man muft not only read one Author,
much lefs theoneworft he can pick out
for himlelf. Tis an old and true faying ,
He that is his own Pupil shall have a
Fool for his Tutor : and truly he that
ftudies only himfelf, will be like to make
but
i66 The Government of the Tongue.
but a lorry Progrels. Yet this is the cafe
of arrogant men , they lofe all the be-
nefit of Converlation , and when they
should be enriching their Minds with
forreign trcfure, they are only counting
over their ov/n llore. Infteadof advert-
ing to thofefoberdifcourfes which they
hear from others, they are perhaps
watching to interrupt them by fomc
pompous Story of themfelves , or at leaft
in tlie abundance of their felf-fufficiency,
think they can fay much*better things,
Magiftcrially obtrude their own notions,
and fall a teaching when tis fitter they
should learn : and fure to be thus for-
ward to lay out, and take no care to
bring in, muft needs end in a Bankrupt
ftate. Tis true I confefs the ftudy ot a
mans-felf is ( rightly taken ) the moft
ufeful part of Learning, but then it
muil be fach a Study as brings him to
know himlelf , which none do fo little
as thele men, who in this are like thofe
filly women the Apoftlc defcribes, 2 Tim.
3. 7. fPljo are ever learning yet fie^
ver attain. And tis no wonder , for
they begin at the wrong end , make no
inquiry' into their faults or defects, but
fix their Contemplation only on tlieir
more
Sect. IX. Of BoaHing. 1 6y
more fplendid qualities-, with which they
are fo dazled, that when yon bring them
to the darker parts of themfelves , it
fares with them as with thofe that come
newly from gazing on the Sun^ they
can fee nothing.
12. And now having difledied this
fweUing vice, and {^^i\ what it is that
feeds the tumor , the cure fuggefts it
icif. If the diieale be founded in Pride,
the abating that is the moll natural and
proper remedy : and truly one would
think that meer weighing of the fore-
going confiderations, might prove fuffici-
ent allaies to it. Yet becaufe where humors
are turgent , tis neceflary not only to
purge them, but alfo to llrengthcn the
infelled part , I fhall adventure to give
fbme few advices by way of Fortificati-
on and Antidote.
13. In the firit place, that of the A-
poftle offers it felf to my hand, Look not
every man on his own things , but every
man alfo on the things of others, PJiil.
2. 4. A counfil which in a diftorted lenie
feems to be too much practiced. We are
apt to apply it to worldly advantages,
and in that notion not to look on our
own things with thank fulnefs, but on o-
ther
i 70 The Government of the Tongue.
ther mens. with envy. We apply it al"
fo to errors and fins , and look not on
oar own to corred: and reform, but on
others to defpife and cenfure. Let us at
laft take it in the genuine fenfe , and
not look on our own excellencies , but
thofe of others. We fee in all things
how defuetude do's contrad: and narrow
our faculties, fo that we may apprehend
only thofe things wherein we are con-
verfant. The droiiing Pefant fcarce thinks
there is any world beyond his own Vil-
lage, or the neighboring Markets , nor
any gaity beyond that of a Wake or
Morriee , and men who are accuftom'd
only to the admiration of themfelvesi
think there is nothing befide them wor«
thy of regard. Thefe linbrcd minds muft
be a little fent abroad ^ made acquain-
ted with thofe excellencies which God
has bellowed on other men , and then
they will not think themfelves like G/-
^eons fleece to have fuckt up all the
dew of heaven : nay perhaps, they may
find they rather anfwer the other part
of the miracle ; and are drier then tneir
neighbors. Let them therefore put them-
felves in this courfe, obferve diligently
all the good that is vifible in other men:
smd
S £ c T . IX . OfBoafiing. 1 6^
and when they find themfelves mounting
into their altitudes , let them clog their
wings with the remembrance of thofe
who have out-foar'd them, not in vain
opinion, but in true worth. Tis nothing
but the fancy of Angularity that puffs u$
up. To breath, to walk, to hear, to fee,
are excellent powers , yet no body is
proud of them , becaufc they are com-
mon to the whole kind: and therefore
if we would obferve the great number
of thofe that equal , or exceed us , even
in the more appropiate endowments,
we fliould not put fo exceffive a price
upon our felves.
14. Secondly if we will needs be re-
flefting upon our felves, let us do it more
ingenioully , more equally , let us take a
true furvey, and obferve as well the bar-
ren as the fertil part of the foil : and if
this were don, many mens value would
be much fliort of what they are willing
to fuppofe it. Did we but compare our
crop of Weeds and Nettles, with that of
our Corn , we muft either think our
ground is poor , or our felves very ill
husbands. When therefore the recoUedi-
on of eitber real or fancied wortli begins
to make us aery , let us condenfe again
Y by
1 70 The Government of the Tongue.
by th6 remembrance of our fins and
folly; tis the only poflible (ervice they
can do us , and confidering how dear
they are to coft us , we had not need
lofe this one accidental advantage. In
this fenfe Satan may cafi out Satariy our
vileft guilts help to ejed our pride, and
did we well manage this one ftratagem
agaiiiil him, tv/ould give us more caule
or triumph 5 then mofl: of thofe things
for which we fo fpread our plumes: I
do not fay we should contract new guilts
to make us humble , God knows we
need not 5 we have all of us enough of
the old flock if we would but thus cm-
ploy them.
I f. I N the lafl place I should advifc
thofe who are apt to talk big things of
themfelves , to turn into fome other road
of difcourfe : for if they are their own
Theme, their tongues will as naturally
turn into Eulogiesj as a horfe do's into
that Inn to which he is cuftomed* All
habits do require fome little excels of
the contrary to their cure: for we have
not fo juft a fcantling of our fclves, as
to know to a grain what will level the
iialeSj and place us in the right Medio<-
crity. Let men therefore that have this
infirmity
Sect. IX. Of Boafling. 171
infirmity > shun Q as far as priidence and
intereft permits ) all difcourle of them-
lelves, till they can fever it from that:
unhappy appendage. They will not be at
all the lefs acceptable company , it being
generally thought none of the beft parts
of breeding , to talk much of ones lelf t
for tho it be don fo as not to argue pride,
yet it do's ignorance of more worthy
iubjed:s.
16. I should here conclude this Sed:i-
on, but that there is another fort of
vaunting Talk, which was not well re-
ducible to any of the former Heads , thd
Subjedt matter being vaftly diftant : foi:
in thofe the Boafting was founded in
Ibme either real or fuppofed worth , but
in this in Bafenels and villany. Ther^
are a Generation of men, who have re-
moved all the Land-marks which their
Fathers C nay even the Father of Spirits }
have fet, reverft the common notions or
Humanity , and call evil good , and good
evil , ana thofe things which a moderate
impudence would blush to be furprifed
in, they not only proclame but boaft
off, blow the Trumpet as much before
their crimes, as others before their good
deeds. Nay fo much do tliey affed this
y 2 inverted
172 The Government of the Tongue.
inverted lor: of Hypocrify, that they
own more wickednefs then they acft, af-
liime to have made P radii cal thehighell
Speculations of villany, and like the
Devils Knights errant, pretend to thofe
Romantic atchicvments, which the ve-
rieft Fiend incarnate could never com-
pafs. Thefc are fuch Prodigies, fuch
Monfters of villany , that tho they are
the objedis of Grief and Wonder, they
are not of Counfil. Men who thus rave,
we may conclude their brains are turn^
ed, and one may as well read Lectures
jit Bedlam as treat with fiich. Yet wc
know that there sharp corrections reco*
ver crazed men to Sobriety; and then
their Cure lies only in the hand of Ci-
vil Juftice : if that would take them at
their words, receive their brags asCon-
fefllons, and punish them accordingly,
it may be a little reall fmart would cor-
rect this mad Itch, and teach them not
to glory in their shame, Phil. 3. ip.
In the mean time let others who
are not yet arrived to this height, con-
lidcr betimes, thatallindulgentpradrice
of fin is the direct Road to it, and ac-
cording to the degrees of that indul-
gence, ^heymake more orlefs haft. He
that
S E c T. IX. ' OfBoaJling. 173
that conftantly and habitually indulges,
rides upon the Spur, and will quickly
overtake his Leaders. Nay if it be but this
one vice of vanity , it may finally bring
him to their ftate. He that loves to brag,
will fcarcefind exercile enough for that
faculty in his vertues , and therefore may
at laft be temted to take in liis vices al-
fo. But that which is more ferioufly
confiderable is , that Pride is fo provok-
ing to Almighty God, that it often
caufeshim to withdraw his Gr^f^> which
is a Donative he has promiled only to
the humble, J ^m,^.6. And indeed when we
turn that Grace into wantonnefs, as the
Proud man do's wjio is pamper'd by it
into high conceits of himfclf 5 tis not
probable God will any longer pro 11 itute
his favors to fiich abule. The Apoitle
qblerves it of the Gentiles , who had in
contradicfiion of their natural light a-
bandonM theinlclves to vile Idolatries^
that God aftergave them tip to a reprobate
mind and vile affenions, Rom. 1,2^^26.
But the Proud now ftifle a much clearer
light, and give up themselves to as bale an
Idolatry-, the adoration of thciiilelvcs.
And therefore tis but equal to cxped:God
should defer: them , and ( as fome Nati^
ons
1 74* The Government of the Tongue.
ons have Deified their dileafes } permit
them to celebrate even their fowleft en-
ormities. The application of all I shall
iiiih up in the words of the Apoftle. Rom.
1 1 »2 1 . Take heedalfo that hejpare not thee.
S E C T. X.
Of Queruloufnefs.
!• I O thisof Boafting may notun-
1 fitly be fubjoin'd another inor-
dinancy of the Tongue , viz. murmuring
and complaining. For tho thefe faults
leem to differ as much in their comple-
xions, as Sanguine do's from Melancholy,
yet there is nothing more frequent then
to lee them united in the fame Perfon.
Nor is this aconjundiionof alaterdate,
but is as old as St. Jude's daies , who ob-*
ferves that the murmurers and complainers
are the very fame with thofe wholpeak
great fwelling words ^ Judei6.
2. Nor. are we to wonder to find them
thus conjoined J if weconfider what an
original cognation and kindred they
have
Sect. X. Of §lueruloufnefs. ij^
have, they being ( however they (eem
divided) ftreams ifTiiing from the fame
fountain. For the very fame Pride which
promts a man to vaunt and overvalue
what he is, do's as forcibly inchne him
to contemn and difvalue what he has ;
whilft mefuring his enjoiments by that
vaft Idea he has form'd of himfelf, 'tis
impoffible but he muft think them below
him.
3. This indeed is the true original of
thofe perpetual complainings we hear
from all forts and conditions of men.
For let us pafs thro all Degrees , all
Ages, we shall rarely find a fingle Per-
fon, much lefs any number of men , ex-
emt from this Qiierulous, this fuUen hu- •
mor : as if that breath of life where-
with God originally infpired us, had bin
given us not to magnify his Bounty,
but to accufc his illiberalit)^ and like the
difmaller forts of inftruments, could be
tuned to no other Streins but thofe of
Mourning and Lamentation. Every mail
contributes his note to this doleful Har-
mony, and after all that God has don to
oblige and delight mankind , fcarce any
man is fatisfied enough, I will not fay to
be thankful!, but to be patient. For alas
what
1 76 ThCi Government of the Tongue.
what Tragical complaints do men make
of their infelicity , when perhaps their
profperity is as much the envious out-
cry of others ? Every little defeat of a
dcfign, of an appetite, every little difrc-
gard from thofe above them, or iefs fo-
lemn observance from thofe below them,
makes their Heart hot '■juithin theniy Pfal,
39. 3. andthe tongue (that combuftiblc
part) quickly takes fire and breaks out
into extravagant exclamations. It is in-
deed ftrange to fee how weighty every
the trivialleft thing is when a paffion
is caft into the fcale with it, how every the
llighteft inconvenience or petty want
preponderates hundreds of great fubftan-
tial bleflings : when indeed were it in an
inftance never fo confiderable, it could be
no juft Counterpoife. Yet fo clofely is this
corruption interwoven with our confti-
tution , that it has fometimes prevailed
even upon good men» Jacob tho he had
twelve fons , yet upon the fuppofcd
death of one defpis'd the comforts of
all the reft , and with an obftinate for-
row refolves to go mourning to his
Grave, Gen. jf. 37. David after that
fignal viftory which had p refer v'd his
lite , rcinftatcd him in his Throne , and
reftor'd
S E c T. X. Of ^eniloufncfs , 177
rcftor'd him to the Ark and Sanftuary,
yet fuffer'd the lofs of his rebellious foil,
who was the Author of his danger , to
overwhelm the fenfe of his dehverance,
and inftead of Hymns and praifes, breaks
out into ejulations and effeminate wait-
ings, 2. Sam, 18. 33.
4. B u T God knows the moft of our
complaints cannot pretend to fuch confi-
dcrable motives : they are not the bowels
of a Father , the imprelTes of Nature
that excite our repinings, but the impul-
fes of our lufts and inordinate appetites.
Our difcontcnts are ufually fuch as r^-
hab^s for his neighbors vineyard, Haman's
for Mordecais obeifance , Ky£chitopheVs
for having his counfil rejected. Every
difappointment of our avarice , ambi-
tion, and pride, fill's our hearts with bir-
ternefs and our mouths with clamors.
For if we should examine the numerous
complaints which found in every cor-
ner, it would doubtlefs be found that the
greateft part of them have fome fuch
original : and that, whether the preten-
ded grievances be public or private. For
the firft : many a man is a ftate male-
content, meerly becaufe he fees another
advanced to that honor or wealth which
Z he
1 7 S The Government of die Tongue.
he thinks he has better deferv'd. He is
alwaies inveighing againft fuch unequal
.diftributions 5 where the beft fervices
( fuch you may be fure his own are }
arc the v\^orft rewarded : nor do's he ever
ccafe to predift pubUc mines ) till his pri-
vace are repared. But as foon as that
is don, his Augury grows more mild: and
as if the cftate and he were like Hippocra^
tes's twins , his recruites give new vigor
to that, and till his next fuit is denied
every thing is well adminiftred. So full
alas men are of themfelvcs, that tis hard
to find any the mo ft fplendid pretences
which have not fomething of that at the
bottom: and would every man ranfack
his own heart, and refolve not to caft a
flone till he had firft cleer'd it of all fini-
fter refpeds, perhaps the number of our
cbmplainers would be much abated.
5. N o R is it othcrv/ife in private
difcontents. Men are apt to think
themlelves ill ufed by any man who will
not ferve tlieir interefl or their humor,
nay fometimes their vices > and are prone
in all companies to arraign fuch an unpli-
ant Perfon , as if he were an enemy to
mankind , becaufe he is not a flave to
their will. How many liave quarrel'd e-
ven
Sect. X. Of Slueruloufnefs. 179
veil with their deareft friends :, becaule
they would not aflift them to their own
mine 5 or have Itriven to divert them
from it : fo forcible are our propenfions
to mutiny, that we equally take occa-
iions from benefits or injuries.
6. But the higheft andmoft unhap-
py initance of all is in our behavior to-
wards God, whofe allotments v/e d^f-
pute with the fame or rather o^reater
boldnefs then we do thole of men'T What
elle mean thofe impatient murmurs at
thofe things which are the immediate if-
fues of his Providence? Such are our na-
tive blemishes, difeafes, death of friends,
and the like. Nay what indeed are our
difplefures even at thofc things which
we pretend tofiilcn upon Second Caufes?
For thofe being all under the llibordina-
tion of the firit, cannot move but by its
permillion. This hoiy Jol^ well difcern d,
and therefore do's not i udi te th c Chalde-
ans or Sabeans for his plunder , but know-
ing they were but inftruments, he fubmifP .
ly acknowledges, *that there was a high-
er agent in his lofs. The Lord hath ta-
ken away , Job. i. 21. When therefore we ra-
vingly execrate the rapine of one man ,
the deceit ofanorherfor our impoverish-
Z 2 ^ meat
1 80 The Government of the Tongue.
ment, when we angrily charge our defa-
mation on the malice of our maligners,
our difappointments on the treachery or
negligence of our friends > we do inter-
pretatively conclude either that there is
no over-ruling providence which could
have rellrained thofe events, or elfe
( which is equally horrid ) v/e accule it
as not having don well in permitting
them. So that againft whomfoeverwc
dired: our clamors > their laft rebound is
againft Heaven 5 this Querulous humor
carrying alwaies an implicite repugnance
to Gods dilpofals : but where it is in-
dulged to 5 it ufually isitsownexpofitor,
and explicitely avows it, charges God
foolishly, and by impious murmurs
blalphemes that power which it can-
not relift. Indeed the progrefs is very
natural for our impatiences at men to
fwell into mutinies againft God: for
when the mind is once imbitter'd, it
diftinguishes not of objed:s , but indiffer-
ently lets fly its veiiem. He that frets
himfelf , the Prophet' tells us , will curfe
his King , nay his Gody Ifa. 8.21. and he
that quarrels at Gods diftributions , is
in the direct: road to defie his Being.
7, B y this we may eftimate the dan-
ger
Sect, X. Of ^erulottfnefs. i8i
ger of our difcontents , which tho at
firft they are introduced by the inordi-
nate love of our jfelves , yet are very apt
to terminate in hatred and Blafphemies
againft God. He therefore that would
fecure himfelf from the higheft degree,
muft watch againft the loweftj as he
that would prevent a total Inundation,
muft avert the fmalleft breach in his
Banks. Not but that even the firft be-
ginnings are in thcmfelves well worth
our guarding : for abftradmg from all
the danger of this enormous increafe ,
thefe murmurings (like a mortiferous
Herb) are poifonous even in their firft
Spring, before they arrive to their
full maturity. To be alwaies moraliz-
ing the Fable oi.Tromethem upon one's
lelf J playing the Vultur upon one's
own entrails is no defirable thing, tho
we were accountable to none but our
felves for it : to dip our tongues in gall ,
to have nothini^ m our mouths but the
extrad: , and exhalation of our inward
bitternefsj is fu re no greater Senfiiality.
So that did we confult only our own
eafe , we might from that fingle Topic
draw arguments enough againft our mu-
tinies.
8. But
1 8 2 The Government of the Tongue.
8. But befides oar duty and eafe , our
credit and reputation make their plea al-
io. Fortitude is one of the nobleft of mo-
ral vcrtues , and has the luck to appear
confiderable even to" thofe who defpifc
all the reft. Now one of the moft proper
and eminent acSb of that is , the bearing
adverie events with evennefs and temper.
This paffive valor is as much the mark
of a great mind as the aftive, nay per-
haps more , the later being often ov/-
ing to the Animal, this to the Rational
part of man. And fure we muft ftrangely
have corrupted the principles of Mora-
lity as well as Religion , if every turbu-
lent unruly Spirit , that fills the world
with blood and rapine, shall have his
ferity called gallantry-, yet that fober
courage , that maintains it felf againft all
the shocks of Fortune , that keeps its
Poft in Ipight of the rudeft encounters,
sliall not be allowed at leaft as good a
name. And then on the contrary we
may conclude, that to fmk under e-
very crofs accident, to be ftill whining
and complaining , crying out upon every
touch, js a note, of a mean degenerous
foul, below the dignity of ourreafonable
nature.. For certainly God never gave
us
Sect. X. ]^ Of^eruloujf?iefs. 185
us reafon for fo unkind a piirpole , as
only to quicken and inhance the refent-
ment of our fuiferings, but rather to con-
trole there diforders 3 v/hich the more
tumultuous part of us , our fenfes , are
apt to rai(e in us : and we are fo far men
and no farther , as we ufe it to that
end. Therefore if the dictates of re-
ligion cannot reftrain our murmurs, if
we are not Chriftians enough to fubmit
to the divine precepts of meeknefs and
acquiefccnce : yet let us at leafl: keep
within thofe bounds which ingenious
nature has fet us, and not by our un-
manly impatiencies enter common with
Brutes and Animals.
9. Nay I may farther add , if nei-
ther for Gods nor our own fakes> yet
for othersvfor humane focieties fake, this
querulous inclination should be fuppreft-,
there being nothing that renders a man
more unplefant , more uneafy compa-
ny. For (bcfides that tis very apt to
vent it felf upon thofe With whom he
converfes, rendring him capricious and
exceptions 5 and tis a harsh , a grating
found to hear a man alwaics in the
complaining Key ) no man would wil-
lingly dwell within the noife of shreeks
and
1 84 The Government of the Tongue.
and groans i and the exclamations of
the difcontented differ from thofe only
by being more articulate. It is a very un-
welcome importunity , to entertain a
mans company with remonfl:ran(;es of
his own infelicities and mifadventures ,
and he that will relate all his grievances
to others, will quickly make himfelf one
to them. For tho he that is full of the
inward fenfe of them , thinks it rather
an eafe then opprcffion to fpeak them
out, yet the cafe is far odierwife with
his Auditors : they are perhaps as mudi
taken up with themfelves, as he is, and as
little at leifure to confider his concerns, as
he theirs. Alas we are not now in thofe
primitive daies , when there was as it
were one common fenfe among Chri-
ftians, when if one member Jufferd , ali
the members Jujfer'd with it. i Cor. 12.
26. That Charity which gave that fym-
pathetic motion to tha whole , is now
it felf benum'd , flows rarely beyond
the narrow compafs of our pergonal in-
terefl:-, and therefore we cannot expe£t
that men should be very patient of our
complaints who are not concerned in the
caufes of them. The Priefls anfwer to
Judas do's fpeak the fenfe of moft men
in
' ' ' ' » ■ ■ ■ I I II !■■ I »
S E c T. X . Of ^emloufnefs, i8 f
in the cafe JVhat is that to us ? See thou
to that. Mar. 27. 4. I do not deny bat
that the difcharging ones griefs into the
boforae of a true friend, is both inno-
cent and prudent : nay indeed he that
has fuch atrefure, is unkind to himfelf
if he ufe it not. But that which I would
diiTw ade 5 is the promifcuous ufe of this
libeity in common Converfation , the
fatisfying our Spleen , when we cannot
eale our hearts by it, the loud decla-
mingsat ourmifery, which isfeldomle-
ver'd from as ievere refledlions on thole
whom we fuppole the caufes of it 5 by
which nothing can be acquired but the
opinion of our Impatience , or perhaps
Ibme new grievance from fome , who
think themfeives concern'd to vindicate
thofe whom v/e afperfe. In a word tis
as indecent as it is unacceptable, and we
may oblerve all men are willing to flink
cue of fuch company , the Sober for
the hazards, and Jovial for the unple-
fantnefs. So that themurmurer leemsta
be turn'd off to the company of thofe
dolefulCreatures which the Prophet men-
tions which were toinhabitethe mines of
Babylon^lCil.ii.YoM he is illConverfation
to all men , tho the word of all to himfelf.
A a 10. And
iH6 TKe Government oF the Ton
gue.
lo. And now upon the force of all
theie confiderations , I may reafbnably
imprcis the Wile mans Cpunfil, Therefore
h^wure of murmuring y Wifd.i.ii.And in-
deed it is not the precept of the Wife-
man alone 5 but ot all who have made
any jvift pretence to that title. For
when \Ye confider thofe excellent lectures
of contentation and acquiefcence, where-
with the writings of Philofophers abound^
'tis hard to fay whether they fpeak more
of inftrudlion or reproch to us. When
their confuied notions of a Deity had gi^
ven them fuch impreffions of his Wif-
dom and goodnefs, that they would
not pretend to make any ele(3:ions for
themlelves , how do's it shame our more
explicite knowledg, who dare not de-
pend on him in the fmalleft inllance?
\vho Will not take his difpofalls for good
unlefs ovir fenfes become his fureties ?
which aip^ounts but to th^t degree of
credit 5 which the moft c Iilefs n,iaa
may expert from us , the trufting him
as far as we fee him. This is liich 4
contumely to him , as the Ethnic wotld
durtt not offer him 5 and is the peculiar
infolence of us degenerated Chriftians,
who fure cannot be thought in earnelt
when
Sect. X. __^f^^^^tifhejs,_^ 187
when we talk of lingmg Hallelujahs in
the next world to him , whilft we enter-
tain him here only with the fuUen noife
of murmurs and repinings. For we are
not to think that Heaven will Meta-
morphofe us on a fudden , and turn our
exclamations and wild clamors into Lauds
and Magnificats. It do*s indeed perfect
aiid crown thoft graces which werie herfe
inchoate and begun, but no mans toiiver-
fiorr ever fucceeded his being there :, fbr
Chrift has eypfefly told u^j That ex-
cept we be converted^ we shall mtenhr in-
to the kingdom of heaven j If we go hence
in our froward difcontents ^ they will
aflbciate us with thofe, with whom is
Weeping and wailing and gnashing of
teeth.
Aa2 SEcf.
\
iS8 The Government of the Tongue.
Sect XL
Of Pofitivcnefs.
I. Another very unbandfom
j[l\circ\xm^2incQ in difcourfe is the
being over confident and percmtory , a
thing which do's very much unfit men
for converfation , it being lookt on as
the common birth-right of mankind , that
every man is to opnie according to the
didates of his own underftanding, not an-
others. Now this Peremtorinefs is of
two forts , the one a Magifterialnefs in
matters of opinion and fpeculation, the
other a Pofitivenefs in relating matters
of faft ; in the one we impofc upon mens
underftandings > in the other on their
faith.
2. For the firft, he muft be much a
ftranger in the world who has not met
with It : there being a generation of men,
who as the Prophet fpeaks , Are wife in
their own eies -^ and prudent in their own
fight:, Ifa. f. 21. Nay not only fo^but who
make
Sect. XL OfToJitivenefs 189
make themfclves the ftandards of wifdom,
to which all are bound to conform, and
whoever weighs not in their balance, be
his reafons never fb weighty , they
write Tekel upon them. This is one of
the moft oppreffive Monopolies imagi-
nable : all others can concern only fom-
thing without us , but this faftens upon
our nature, yea and the better part of it
too, ourreafon, and if it meet with thofc
who have any confiderable share of that
within them , they will often be temted
to rally it , and not too tamely refign
this native liberty. Reafon fubmits only
to Reafon, and he that aflaults it with bare
Autority ( that which is Divine alwaies
excepted ) may as well cut flame with
his fword, or harden wax in the fun.
3. Tis true indeed thefe great Di-
ctators do fometimes run down the com-
pany , and carry their Hypothefis with-
out conteft : but of this there may be di-
vers reafons befides the weight of their
arguments. Some unfpeculative men may
not have the skill to examine their afler-
tions, and therefore an aflent is their fa-
fcfl courfe \ others may be lazy and not
think it worth their pains ; a third fort
may be modeft and awed by a fevere
brow
1 po The Government of the Tongue.
brow and an imperious nod : and perhaps
the wifer may providently forefee the im-
pbflibility of convincing one who thinks
bimfclf not fubjedt to error. Upon thefe or
other hke grounds tis very poffible all may
bcfilenced when never a one is convinced:
fo that thefe great Matters may often
make very falfe eftimates of their con-
quefts J and facrifice to their o^jun nets-,
Heb. I. 1 6. when they have taken no-
thing.
4. N A Y indeed this infolcnt way of
propofing is fo far from propagating
their notions , that it gives prejudice a-
gaihft them. They are the gentle infi-
nuations which pierce ( as oil is the
Jnoft penetrating of all hquors) but in
thefe Magifterial documents men think
themfelves attackt , and ftand upon
their gaard> and reckon they muft part
with Honor together with their Opini-
on J if they fuffer themfelves to be He-
ftor'd out of it. BefideSjthis impofmg
humor is fo unamiable , that it gives ah
averfion to the Perfon > and we kriow
how forcible perfonal prejudices are(tho
tis true they should not be) towards
the biafling of Opinions. Nay indeed
men of this temper do cut themfelves
off
S E c T. X I. Of Tqptiveneji. 191
off from the opportunities of Profely ting
others, by averting them from their com-
pany. Freedorn is the endearing thing
in Society , and where that is controrcl,
men are nor very fond of aflbciating
themlelves. Tis natural to us to be un,
caly in the prefence ot thole who afl
fume an Authority over us. Children
Care not for the company of their Pa-
rents or Tutors , and men will care left
for theirs, who would make them Chil-
dren by ufurping a Tutorage.
f. A L L tliefe inconveniencies are e-
vidently coniequent to this Dogmati-
zing, fiippofing men be never fo iiiuch in
the right : but if they happen to be in
the wrong, what a ridiculous pageantry
is it , to fee Hich a PhiloJfophical gravity
fet to man-out a Soleeifiii ? A conclu-
ding Face put upon no concluding Ar-
gument , is the moft contemtible fort
of folly in the world. They do by this
found a trumpet to their own defeat:
and whereas a modeft miftake might
Oip by undifcern'd, thele Rodomontade
errors force themfelves upon mens ob-
fervation, and make it asimpofliblefor
men not to fee, as it is not to dcfpife th(jm
when they do. For indeed Pride is as
lU
ipz The Government of the Tongue.
ill linkt with Error, asweufually fay it
is V^rith Beggery , and in this as well as
that , converts pitty into contemt.
6. A N D then it would be confidered,
what fecurity any man that will beim-
pofing has , that this will not be his
caie. Human nature is very fallible , and
as it is poflible a man may err in a great
many things, fo tis certain every man
do's in lomething or other Now who
knows at the inltant he is fo pofitive,
but this may be his erring turn ? Alas
how frequently are we miftaken even
in common ordinary things! for as ths
Wifeman fpeakes , hardly do we judg a-
right even m things that are before m^
Wifd. 5>. 16. our very fenfes do ibmc-
times delude us. How then may we wan-
der in things of abftrufe fp^culation? The
confideration of this hath with fome
fo prevailed , that it has produc'd a Sed:
of Scepticifm : and tho 1 prefs it not for
that purpofe , yet fare it may reafona-
bly be urged to introduce fome mode-
Ity and calmnefs in our aflcrtions. For
v/hen we have no other certainty of our
being in the right , but our own per-
Iwafions that we arefo^ this may often
be but making one eiTor the gage for
Sect. XI. Of Tojitivenefs. 15)3
another. For God knows confidence is
fb far from a certain mark of truth, that
'tis often the fediicer into falshood , none
being fo apt to lofe their way as thole
who , out ol an ungrounded prefiimtion
of knowing it , defpife ali dirediion from
others. ;
7. Let all this be weighed, and the
relult will be 5 that this peremtormefsis
a Aing that can befit no form of under-
itanding. It renders Wife men dilobligmg
and troublefom , and fools ridiculous
and contemtible. It calls a prejudice up-
on the moftiolid reafoning , and it ren-
ders the lighter more notorioufly defpi-
cable. Tis pity good parts should be
leven'd by it , made a fnare to the own-
ers, and ulelefs to others. And 'tis pit/
too that weak parts should by it becon-
demn'd to be alwaies fojby delpifing thofe
Aids which should improve them. Since
therefore 'tis fb ill calculated for every
Meridian , would God all Climes might
be purged from it.
8. And as there are weighty obje-.
iftions againltit in refped: of its effedls,
fo tliere are no inconfiderable prejudices
in relation to its caufes , of which we may
reckon Pride to be tlie moft certain
B b and
I5>4 The Government of the Tongue.
and iiniverlal : for what ever elic cafually
occurs to It , this is the fiindamcntal con-
flitutive principle i nothing but a great
overweening Ota mans own underltand-
ing being able to inflate him inthatima-
ginar}^ empire over other mens. For here
lure we may ask the Apoltles queilion.
Who made thee to differ from a?wther ?
AVhen God has made Rationahty the
common portion of mankind , how came
it to be thy inclofure ? or what Signa-
ture has he fet upon thine , what
mark of excellency , that thine should be
paramount? Doul3tlefs ii thou fancieit
thou haft that part of Jacobs bleffing , To
be Lord of thy brethren j and that all thy
mothers fons should bow down to thee ,
Gen. 27. 2p. thou haft got it more furrep-
titioufly then he did , and with lels effect :
for tho Ifaac could not retrad: his mi-
ftakeii benediction, God will never ra-
tify that fantaftic , thou haft pronounc-
ed to thy fclf , with his reall effedive-
one.
5>. B u T there happens many times
to be another ingredient befides Pride,
and that is Ignorance : forthoie qualities
however they may feem at war, do of-
ten very clolely combine.He who has nar-
row
Sect. XI. ofToJitivenefs, ipf
row notions , that knows but a few
things , and has no glimpfe of any be-
yond hitn J thinks there are no fuch:
and therefore as if he had ( hke ^-
lexander) no want but that of worlds to
conquer, he thinks himfelf the abfolute
Monarch of all knowlcdg. And this is of
all others the mod unhappy compofici-
on : for ignorance being of its felf Hke
ftiff clay y an infertile foile , when Pride
comes to fcorch and harden it, it grows
perfeftly impenetrable : and accordingly
we fee none are fo inconvincible as your
halfwitted people ; who know jud e-
nough to excite their pride, but not fo
much as to cure tlieir ignorance.
lo. There remains yet a 2<^ kind of
Peremtorinefs which I am to fpeak to,
and that is of thofe who can make no
relation without an atteftation of its cer-
tainty : a fort of hofpitable people, who
entertain all the idle vagrant reports,
and fend them out with paflTports and
tcftimonials y who when they have once
adopted a ftorj'^, will have it pafs for le-
gitimate how fpurious foever it original-
ly was. Thefe fomewhat relemble thofc
Hofpitals in Italy , where all baftards arc
fare of reception, and fuch a provifion
2$
1 96 The Government of the Tongue.
as may enable them to llibfift in the wofld:
and were it not for fuch men, many a Fa-
therlcfs lie would b- ftifled in its birth.
It is indeed ftrange to fee, how fuddenly
loofe rumors knit into formal ftories,
and from thence grow to certainties •, but
'tis ftranger to fee that men can be of
fuch profligated. impudence, as knowmg-
ly to give them that advance. And yet
tis no rarity to meet with fjch men who
will pawn their honor , their fouls , for
that unworthy purpofe : nay and that
too with as much impertinence as ba(e-
nefs, when no interefi: of their own, or
Eerhaps any mans elfe is to be ferved
y it.
10. This is fb prodigious a thing,
as feems to excite ones Curiofity to in-
quire the eaufe of fo wonderful an efFefl:.
And here as in other unnatural produ-
ftions , there are feveral concurrents. If
we trace it from its original, its firft E-
lement feems to be Idlenefs : this di-
vert! no- a man from ferious ufeful enter-
tainments, forces him upon ( the ufual
refuse of vacant Perfons} the inquiring
after^News; which when he has got, the
venting of it is his next bufmefs. If he
be of a credulous Nature, and believe
, -•; 'it
Sect. XL OfToJitivenefs. 187
it himfelf , he do's the more innocently
impofe it on others : yet then to fecure
himfelf from the imputation of Levity
and too eafy Faith, he- is often temted
to lend fome probable circumftance. Nay
if he be of a proud humor, and have that
miferable vanity of loving to fpeak big,
and to be thought a man of greater cor-
refpondence and intelligence then his
Neighbors, he will not bate an Ace of
abfolutc certainty , but however doubt-
ful or improbable the thing is , coming
from him it muft go for an indifputable
truth. This feems to be the defcentof
this unhappy folly , which yet is often
nurft up by a mean or imprudent Edu-
cation. A man that hath converft only
with that lower fort of company , who
durft not difpute his veracity, thinks the
fame falfe Coin will pafs over the world,
which went currant among his Fathers
Servants or Tenants : and therefore we
may obferve that this is moft ufuall in
young men , who have come raw into
company with good fortunes and ill
breeding. But it is too true alfo that too
many never lofe the habit, but are as
morofely JDofitive in their Age, as they
were childiflily fo in their Youth. In-
deed
200 The Government of the Tongue.
deed tis impofllble they fliould be o-
therwife , iinlefs they have the wit to
difentangle themfelves firft from the love
of Flattery) and. after from the compa-
ny of Flatterers : for ( as I have before
obferv'd) no vice will ever wither un-
der their (hade. I think I ihall do the
Reader no ill office to let in a little light
upon them , and fhew him fome of
thofe many mifchiefs that attend this
unworthy pradice,
12. First, it engages a man to Oaths,
and for ought he knows to Perjuries.
When he has lancht out boldly into an
incredible relation, he thinks he has put
his Credit upon the forelorn hope, and
muft take care to relieve it : and there
is no fuccor fo conftantly ready at hand
as that of Oaths and imprecations, and
therefore whole voUies of them are dif-
charged upon the doubtful. Thus do
we make God a witnefs , and our Souls
parties in the caufe of every trifling ru-
mor, as if we had model'd our Divini-
ty by the Scheme of that Jefuitical Ca-
fuifl: , wlio legitimates the Killing of a
man for an Apple.
13. A fecond mifchief is, that it be-
traies a man to quarrels. He that is
perem-
Sect. XI. OfToJitivenefs. ipp
peremtory in his own Storj'- , may meet
with another that is as peremtory in
the contradid:ion of it , and then the
two Sr. Tojitives muft have a skirmish
indeed. He that has attefted the truth
of a falie , or the certainty of a doubt-
ful thing , has brought himfelf into the
fame Itrait with Baalams Afs , he mult
either fall down flat or run upon a fword,
Num. 22. 27. For if his Hearers do but
exprefs a diffidence, either he muft fink
to a down-right Confeflion that he was
a Liar: or elie he muft huff and blufter
till perhaps he raife a counter- ftorm ,
and as he fool'd himfelf out of his truth,
{o be beaten out of his pretence to it.
Indeed there is fcarce any quahty that
do's fo temt and invite affronts as this
do's : for he that can dcfcend to fuch a
meannefs , may reafonably enough be
prefumedto have little (as of true worthy
io ) even of that which the world calls
Gallantry, and*fo every puny fword-
man will think him a good tame Quar-
ry to enter and flesh himfelf upon.
• 14. In the third place itexpofes him
to all the conteniL and fcorn which ei-
ther good or illjnen can fling upon him:
the good abominate the fin , the ill tri-
umph
1 5)8 The Government of the Tongue.
umph over the folly of it. The truth is
there can be nothing more wretchedly-
mean. To be Knight of the Poll to every
fabulous relation, is fuch a fordid thing,
th.it there can fcarce be any name of re-
proch too vile for it. And certainly
he that can pawn his faith upon fuch mi-
ferable terms, will by thofe frequent mort-
gages quickly be fnapt upon a forfeiture^
or however will have his credit fo im-
par'd by it 5 that no man will think his
word a competent gage for the flighteft
concern.
15. And this may pafs for a fourth
confideration , That this Pofitivenefs is
fo far from gaining credit to his pre-
fent affirmation 5 that it deftroies it for
the future : for he that fees a man make
no difference in the confidence of his af-
ferting realities and fiftions , can never
take his mefures by any diing he avers,
but according to the common Proverb,
will be in danger of disbelieving him e-
ven when he fpeaks truth. And of this
no man can want conviction , who will
but confult his own obfervation. For*
what an allay do we find it to the credit
of the moft probable event, that it is re-
ported by one who ufes to ftretch ? Thus
ua*
Sect. XI. Of Tofit'tvenefs, 201
unhappily do fiich men defeat their own
defigns : for while they • aver iloutly
that they may be believed, that very
thing makes them doubted 5 the world
being not now to learn how tr . qiiently"
Confidence is made a fupplemcnt for
Truth. Nor let any man who ufes this,
flatter himfelf that he alone do's ( like
Jobs meflenger ) efcape the common face :
; for tho perhaps he meet with fome who
in civility or pity will not diipute the
probability of his narrations, or with
others who for raillery will not difcoii-
rage the humor with which they mean
(in his abience) to divert themfelves,
yet he may reil afilirVl heisdifcernd by
all , and derided for it.
16. It therefore concerns men who
either regard their truth, or their reputa-
tion , not to indulge to this humor, wliich
is the moft filly way of fhipwrackmg
bodu For he that will lay thofe to ftake
upon every flying fl:ory,may as Avell wager
his eftate which way the wind v/ill fit
next morning, there being nothing lefs to
be confided in, then the breath of fame,
or the whifpers of private tale-bearers.
Wife men are afraid to report improba-
ble truths : what a fool hardineis is it
C c then
202 The Government of the Tongue.
then to attelt improbable falfities, as it
often is the luck of thefe Pofitive men to "|
do?
17. Certainly there is nothing
which they defign by this, which may
not be obtained more effecflually by a
modeft and unconcerned relation. He
that barely relates what he has heard,
and leaves the hearer to judg of the pro-
bability , do's as much ( I am fure more
civilly ) entertain the company , as
he that throws down his gaunlet in at-
teftation. He as much fatisfies the itch
of telling news 3 he as much perfwades
his hearers : nay very much more ( for
thele over earneil afleverations ierve but
to give men fufpicion that the Speaker
is conicious of his own falfenefs : ) and all
this while he has his retreat (ecure , and
Hands not refponfible for the truths of his
relation. Nay indeed tho men /peak
never fo known and certains truths, tis
moft advifable not to prefs them too im-
portunately. For boldnefs , like the Bra-
voes and Banditti, is feldom emploied
but upon defperate fervices, and is fo
known a Pander for lying, that truth
is but defam'd by its attendance.
18. To conclude, modefty is fo amia-
ble
Sect XI. Of Tojitivenefs. 205
ble , fb infinuating a thing , that all the
rules of Oratory cannot help men to a
more agreable ornament of difcourfe.
And if they will try it in both the fore-
going inftances, they will undoubtedly
find the effefts of it : a modeft propofal
will fboneft captivate mens reafons, and a
modeft relation their belief*
Cc 2 Sect.
204 The Government of the Tongue.
Sect. XII.
OfOb/ceneTalk,
I." I ^HERE is another vice of the
I Tongue which I cannot but men-
'tion, tholknew not in which of the for-
mer Clafies to place it : not that it comes
under none, but that tis fo common to
all, that tis not ealy to refolve to which
peculiarly to affign it , 1 mean obfcene
and immodeft talk , which is offeniive
to the purity of God, dammageable and
mfedtious to the innocence of our Neigh-
bors, and jBoft pernicious to our felves :
and yet is now grown a thing fo com-
mon 5 that one would think we were
fallen into an Age of Metamorphofis,
and that theBrutes did (not only Poe-
tically and in fiction} but really fpeak.
For the talk of many is fo beftial, that
it ieems to be but the conceptions of the
more hbidinous Animals clothed in hu-
man Language.
2. And yet even this muft pafs for
Ingenuity, and this vile defcent below
Hu-
Sect. Xll. OfObfcene Talk. 205
Humanity, mult be counted among the
higheft ftreins of Wit. A wretched de-
balementof that fprightful Faculty, thus
to be made the interpreter to a Goat
or Boar : for doubtlefs had thofe Crea-
tures but the organs of Speech , their
Fancies lie enough that way to make
them as good company , as thofe who
more ftudioufly apply themlelves to this
ibrt of entertainment.
3. The crime is comprehenfive e-
nough to afford abundance of matter for
the moft Satyrical zeal , but I confider
the difled:ing of putrid Bodies may caft
fuch peftilential fumes, as all the benefits
of the fcrutiny will not recompence. I
fliall therefore in refpedl to the Reader
difmifsthisnoifojneSubjed:, and thereby
give an example with what abhorrence
he fhould alwaies rejeft fuch kind of dif-
courle, remembring the advice of St.
Vaul y That all uncle annefs should not be
once 7iamed among thofe 'i^ho '-jvould ix;alk
as becometh Saints^ Eph. 5-. 3.
The
2o5 The Government of the Tongue.
The Clofe.
I* TT Have now touched upon thole e»
I normities of Speech which I prin-
"*• cipally defign'd to obferve, wherein
I have bin far from making a full and ex-^
act Catalogue : therefore I would have
no man take this little Trad fora juft
Criterion , by which to try himfelf in
reference to his words. Yet God grant
that all that read it, may be able to ap^
prove themfelves even by this imperfed;
e/Iay ; and he that do's fo, makes fair
approches towards being that perfe^ man
St. James ipeaks of> Jam. 3. 1. thefe
being fuch faults of the Tongue as are
the harder to avoid, beQaufe they are e-
very day exemplified to us ixx common
praftice, ( nay fome of them recommend-
ed as reputable and ingenious. ) And it is
a ftrange iniinuative power which exam-
ple and cuftom have upon us. We iee
it in every trivial fecular inftance, in our
very habit : thofe drefles which we laugh
at in our forefathers wardrobes or pi-
ctures, when by the circulation of time
and vanity they are brought about, we
think very becoming. Tis the fame -in
our
The Clofe. 207
our diet : our very palates conform to
the fafliion j and every thing grows a-
niiable to our fancies , according as tis
more or lefs received in the world. And
upon this account all fobriety and ftricSt
vertue lies now under a heavy prejudice,
and no part of it more , then this of the
Tongue, which cuftom has now enfran-
chized from all the bonds Moralifts or
Divines had laid upon it,
2. But the greater the difficults are,
the more it ought to awake our diligence:
if we lie loo (e and carcleily , tis odds we
fliall be carried away with the ftream.
We had need therefore fix our fel ves , and
by a fober recollection of the ends for
which our Speech was given us, and the
account we muit one day give of it, im-
prefs upon our fel ves the bafenefs and
the danger of niilemploying it. Yet a
negative innocence will not ferve our
tarns J twill but put us in the condition
of him , 'who wrapt up the talent he 'was
commanded to employ , Mat. 2 f . 2 5-. Nay in-
deed twill be impoflible to preferve e-
ven that if we afpire no farther. The
Tongue is a bufie adi ve P art , will fcarce
be kept from motion : and therefore if
that aiJtivity be not determin'd to good
objed:s
2o8 The Government of the Tongue.
objects , twill be practicing upon bad.
And indeed I believe a great part of its
licentioainefs is owing to this very thing.
There are fo few good themes of dif-
courfe in ufe , that many are driven to
the ill for want of better. Learning is
thought Pedantic , Agriculture Peafant-
like, and Religion the moft infufferable of
all : fo by excluding all ufefuU fubjeds of
converfe, we come together as St. Taul(i\i
another cafe ) faies. Not for the better but
for the worfe, i Cor. ij. 17. And if the
Philofopher thought he had loft that day
wherein he had not learnt iomcthing
v/orthy his notice , how many daies do
we worfe then lole, by having them
not only emty of folid ufeful acquifiti-
ons, but full of noxious and pernicious
ones.? And indeed if they be the one,
they will not mifs to be the other alfo :
for the mind is like the ftomac , which if
it be not fupplied with wholefpme nu-
rifhment , will at laft fuck in thofe humors
with which the body moft abounds. So
that if in our converfe we do not enter-
change foberufefuU notions, we fliallat
the beft but trafiique toies and baubles,
and moft commonly infeftion and poi-
fon. He therefore that would keep his
tongue
The Clofe. 209
tongue from betraying himfelf or others
to lin, muft tune it to a quite conttary
Key, make it an inftrument, an incen-
tive to vertue , by which he fhall not
only lecure the negative part of his duty,
but comply with the pofitive alfoj in em-
ploying ic to thofe uies for which it was
given him.
3. It would be too vaft an underta-
king to prefcribe the particular fubjeds of
fuch difcourfe, nay indeed impoffible, be-
caufe many oi them are occafional, fuch
as cannot aforehand be reduced to any
certain account. This only in the general
we may reft upon, that all fpeech tending
to the glory ot God, or the good of man,
is aright directed. Which is not to be un-
derftood fo reftridively, as if nothing but
Divinity or the neceflary concerns of hu-
man life, may lawfully be brought into
difcourfe : fomething is to be indulged to
common civility, more .to the intimaces
and endearments of friendfhip , and a
competency to thofe recreative difcourfes
which maintain the cherefulnefs of focie-
ty ; all which are , if moderatly ufed,
within the latitude of the rule, as tend-
ing (tho in a lower degree) to the well-
being of men, and by confequent to the
D d hcH
2 lo The Government of the Tongue.
honor of God, who indulges us thole in-
nocent refrefhments. But if the fubordi-
nate ules come to encroch upon the high-
er, if we dwell here and look no farther,
'they then become very finfal by the excefs,
which were not fo in their nature. That
inordinacy lets them in oppofition to Gods
defignation, in which they were allowed
only aiecondary place. We ihould there-
fore be careful to improve all opportu-
nities of letting our tongues pay their
more immediate homage to God, in the
duties of praiers and prailes, making
them not only the interpreters of our
pious afFecStions , but the promoters of
the like in others. And indeed he can
fcarce be thought in earneft , who praies.
Hallowed be thy name ^ and do's not as
much endeavor it with men^ as he follicites
it from God.
4. And if we anfwer our obligations
in this point, we Ihall m it difcharge the
higheft part of our duty to man alfo : for in
whole heart Ibever we can implant a true
reverential aw of God, we fow the feed
of immortality, of an endlefs happy be-
ing, the greateft the moft fuperlati ve good
whereof he is capable. Belides in the in-
terim, we do by it help to manumit and
re-
The Clofe. 21 r
releafe him from thoieiervile drudgeries
to vice, under which thofe remain who
live without God in the world. And thefe
indeed are benefits worthy the dignity of
human nature to communicate. And it is
both fad and ftrange to fee among the
multitude and variety of Leagues that are
contradted in the world , how few there
are of theie pious combinations^ how thole
who Ihew themfelves concern'd in all the
petty fecular interefts of their friends , ne-
ver take this at all into their care> a pre-
gnant evidence how little true friendflup
there is among men.
f. I know fome think they fufficient-
ly excufe themfelves when they fliift off
this office to Divines, whofe peculiar
bufinefs they fay it is. But this is as if
one who fees a poor fainting wretch,
fhould forbear to adminifter a Cordial
he has at hand , for fear of intrenching
on the Phyfitians Faculty. Many op-
portunities a Friend or Companion may
have which a Divine may want. He of-
ten fees a man in the very fit, and lb
may more aptly apply : for where there
is an intimacy of Converfe, men lay
themfelves open , difcover thofe pafEons,
thofe vices, which they carefully veil when
Dd 2 a
212 The Government of the Tongue.
a ftrange , or feverer eie approches. Be-
fides 5 as fuch a one may eafier difcern
the difeafe , fo he has better advantages
for adrainiftring remedies: fo Children
will not take thofe Medicines from the
Doctors hand , which they will from a
Niirle or Mother : and we are ufually
too Childifh in what relates to our Souls;
look on good counlel from an Ecclefi-
aftic as a Divinity Potion , and fet our
ftomacs againft it 5 but a FamiHar may
inlenfibly infinuate it into us , and ere
we are aware beguile us into health. Yet
if Lay Perfons will needs give the Cler-
gy the inclofure of this office , they fliould
at leaft withdraw thofe impediments they
have laied in their way , by depofiting
thofe prejudices which will certainly fru-
ftrate their endeavor. Men haveinthefe
later daies bin taught to look on Preach-
ing as a thing of form to the Hearers , and
of profit only to the Speakers, ^ craft
whereby , as T)emetrius faics. They get their
living, Adts 16. 2^. But admit it were
fo in this laft refped: , yet it do's not in-
fer itfhould be lo in the former. If it
be a Trade, twas fure thought (as in all
-Ages but this) a very ufeful one , or elfe
there would never have bin fuch incou-
ragement
The Clofe. 213
ragement given to it. Noftateever allot-
ed public certain Salaries for a fet of
Men that were thought utterly ufelefs:
and if there be ufe to be made of them,
fhall we lofe our advantages merely be-
caule they gain theirs .? We are in nothing
elfe fo fenfelefs , no man will refufe coun-
lelfrom a Phylician, becaufe he lives by
the Profellion. Tis rather an argument
on his fide, that becaufe fuch an intereft
of his own depends on it , he has bin the
more induftrious to fit himfelf^forit. But
not to run farther in this digreffion, I
fhall apply it to my purpofe, by ma-
king this equitable propofal, thaj Lay
men will not fo moralize the common
Fable , as neither to admonifli one another
themfelves , nor fufFer Minifters to do it
without them. And truly tis hard if nei-
ther of thefe can be granted when both
ought. I am fure all is little enough that
can be don , tho we fliould have, as the
Prophet fpeaiks, Trecept upon precept , Line
upon Line , here a little and there a little^ If.
28.13. Mans nature is fo unattentive
to good , that there can fcarce be too mii-
ny monitors. We fee Satan tho he have
a much ftronger party in our inclina-
tions, dares not rely upon it, butisftill
em-
2 r^ The Government of the Tongue.
employing his emiflaries, to confirm and
excite them, and ifwhilft he Jiasfo ma-
ny Agents among us, God ftiall have
none, we are like to give but an ill account
of our zeal either to God or our neigh-
bor, or of thofe tongues which were gi-
ven us to glorify the one , and benefit
the other. Indeed without this, ourgre^t-
eft officioufnefsin the fecular concerns of
others is no kindncfs. When we ftrive to
advance the fame 5 to increale the fortune
of a wicked man , what do we in it , but
enable him to do the more mifchiefs, by
his wealth to foment his own luxuries, and
by his reputation commend them to the
practice of others ? He only makes his
friend truly rich and great , who teaches
him to employ thole advantages aright :
and would men turn their tongues to this
Ibrt of Oratory , they would indeed Ihew
tliey underftood for what ends they were
given them.
6. But as all good receives enhance^
ment from its being more diffufive , fo
thefe attemts ihould not be confined to
fome one or two intimates or relatives,
butbeasextenfive as the common needs,
or at lead as our opportunities. Tis a ge-
nerous ambition to benefit many, to ob-
lige
TheClofe, 21^
lige communities.: which can no way lb
well be don, as by endeavoring to fubvert
vicious cuftoms, which are the pefts and
poifons of all focieties. The heathens had
many ceremonies of luftrations for their
cities and countries, but he that could pu-
rify and refine their manners, would in-
deed attain to the fubllance of thofe fha-
dows. Andbecaufe the Apoltle tells us, that
Evil words corrupt good manners'^ 1 Cor. 15,
3 3 .twould be a fundamental piece of refor-
mation, to introduce a better fort of con«
verfe into the world : which is an inftance
io agreable to my prefent fubjed:, that I
cannot Clofe more pertinently, then to
commend the endeavor to the Reader^
who if he have bin by this Trad: at all
convinced of the fin and mifchief of thofe
Schemes of difcourfe deciphered in it, can-
not be more juft to his conviftions, then
by attemting to fupplant them.
7. It were indeed a defign worthy
of a noble foul , to try to new model
the Age in this particular, to make it
poffible for men ^ to be at once conver-
fable and innocent. I know twill be ob-
jefted, tis too vaft a projed for one or ma-
ny fingle Peribns to undertake : yet diffi-
culties ufe to animate generous fpirits,
efpe«
21 6 The Government of the Tongue.
elpecially when (as herej the very attemt
is laudable. Bnt as Cbrift faies of Wif-
dom, fo may we of Courage, The Chil-
dren of this world are more daring then
the Children of light. The great cor-
rupters of difcourfe have not bin fo di-
llruftful of themlelves : for tis vifible to
any that will refleft, that tis within mans
memory fince much of this monftrous
exorbitancy of dilcourfe grew in faihion,
particularly the Atheiftical and Blafphe-
mous. The firtt propugners of it were
but few, and durft then but whilper their •
black rudiments, yet the world now fees
what a harveft they have from their de-
vilifli induftry.
8. And Ihall we give over our Clime
as forlorn and defperate, and conclude
that nothing which is not venemous will
thrive in our Soil ? Would fome of parts
and autority but make the experiment, I
Cannot think that all places are yet fo vi-
tiated, but that they may meet with ma-
ny, who would rehfh fober and ingenu-
ous difcourfe, and by their example be a-
nimated to propagate it to others : but as
long as Blalphemy, Ribaldry , and De-
traction let up for Wit, and carry it with-
out any competition , we do implicitly
_ yield
The Clofe. 217
yield that title we difpute not : and tis
hard to fay , whether their triumphs be
more owing to the boldnefs of ill men ,
or the pufillanimityofthegood. What if
upon the trial they fliould meet with the
worfer part of St. 'Paul's fate at Athens,
That fome will mock ^ Adts 17. 32. yet per-
haps they may partake of the better alfo,
and find others that would be wilHng/<?
hear them again, and fome few at lead may
cleave unto them. And fure they are too
tender and delicate, that will run no ha-
zard , nor be willing to bear alittle (liare
in that profane drollery, with which an A-
poftle was , and their God is daily aflault-
ed: el'pecially when by this expofing them-
felves , they may hope to give fome check
to that impious liberty. However be-
fides the fatisfadt ion of their ownconfci-
ences , they may alfo gain tliis advantage
by the attemr,that it may be a good telt
by which to try their company. For
thole whom they find impatient of in-
nocent and profitable converfe , they
may affure thcmfelves can only enfnare
not benefit them- and he is a very weak
Gameiterj that will be drawn to play up-
on fuch terms as make it highly pro-
bable for him to lole , but impoffible for
E e him
2 1 8 The Government of the Tongue.
him to win. Therefore in that cafe the
advice oi Solomon is very proper, Go from
the pefence oj a foolish man , when thou
perceiveH not m him the lips ofKnowledg ,
Pro. 14. 7.
9. B u T he that will undertake fb He-
roic an enterprize , muft qualify himfelf
for it 5 by being true to his own preten-
fions. He mult leave no uneven thred in
his loom , or by indulging to any one
fort of reprovable difcourfc himfelf, de-
feat all his endeavors againft the reft.
Thofe aery Speculators that have writ
of the Philofophers Stone, have requi-
red many Perfonal qualifications, ftnd:
abftinences and purities in thole who
make the experiment. The thing may
have this fober application, that thole
who would turn this Iron Age into Gold,
that would convert our rufty droflyCon-
verfe into a purer ftrein, muft be per-
fectly clean themlelvcs. For alas what
efFcdt can that man hope from his moft
zealous reprehenfions , who laies himfelf
open to recrimination ? He that hears a
man bitterly inveigh againft blafphemy
and proh7neners,and(yet in that almoft the
fame breath) hears his monitor inveigh as
bitterly againft his Neighbor , will fcarce
think
TheCbfe. 215?
think him a good guide of his tongue,
that has but half the maftery of his own.
Let every man therefore be iure to begin
at the right end of his work , to wafli
his own mouth clean , before he pre-
fcribe Gargarifms to others. And to that
purpo(e let him impartially refled: on all
the undue bberties he has given his
tongue, whether thofe which have bin
here remarked, or thofe others which he
may find in all Practical books, Speci-
ally in (the moft Pradical of all books)
his own Confcience. And when he has
trac'd his talk thro all its wild rambles, let
him bring home his ftray ; not like the loft
flieep with joy , but with tears of peni-
tence and contrition, and keep a ftrid:
watch over it that it break not looie again^
nay farther require It to make fome reili-
tution for the trefpafs it has committed
in its former excurfions : to reftore to
God what it has rob'd of his Honor, by
devoting it felf an inftrument of his fcv-
vice i to his Neighbor what it has de-
traded from him, by wiping off that ful-
lage it has caft upon his Fame -, and to
himfelf by defacing thofe ill Charadlers
of vanity and folly it has imprinted on
him. Thus may the Tongue cure its own
Ee 2 fti^^g
2 20 The Government of the Tongue.
fting, aud by a kind of Sympathetic ver-
tiie, the wound may be healed by dreffing
the weapon. But alas when we have don
all, the Tongue is fo flippeiy that it will
often be in danger to deceive our watch:
nay it has a fecret intelligence with the
heart, which like a corrupted Goaler is too
apt to connive at its efcape. Let us there-
fore ftrengthen our guards , call in him
who fees all the lecret prad:ices of our
trecherous hearts, and commit both them
and our tongues to his cuftody. Let us fay
with the Pfalmift, Try me-^ O Lordy andjeek
the ground of my heart, Pft. 129. 23. And
with him again, Set a watch, O Lord-, le^
fore my mouth, and keep the door ofmylips^
O let not my heart be inclined to any evil
thing, P fa. 1 4-1. 3. Kndii hand thus join in
hand, Prov. 16. f. ifOods grace be hum-
bly invoked, and our own endeavour ho-
neftly emploied, even this unruly evil of
the Tongue (as St. ^^^^^j* calls it) Chap.
3. 8. may be in fome degree tamed. If
now and then it get a little out by Health,
yet it will not like the Demoniac be fo
raving , as quite to break all its chains.
If we cannot alwaies fecure our felves
from inadvertence and furprize , but
that a foi bidden word may fomtimes ejt
cape
I
The Clofe, 221
cape us, yet we may from deliberate will-
ful! offences of the Tongue. And tho
we fhonld all aipire higher , yet if we can
but reach this, we ought not to excufe
our felves (upon remaining infirmities)
from the Chriftian generous underta-
king, I was recommending, the reform-
ing of others. Indeed I had made a very
impertinent exhortation to that , if this
degree of fitncfs may not be admitted;
for I fear there would be none upon earth
could attemt it upon other terms : the
world muft ilill remain as it is , and await
only the Tongues of Angels to reduce it.
Nor need we tear that cenfure of Hypo-
crify which we find. Mat. 7. f. for the
cafe is very differing. Tis indeed as
ridiculous as infolent an attemt, for
one that has a Beam in his own eie,
to pretend to caft a Mote out of his bro-
thers : but it holds not on the contra-
ry, that he that has a Mote in his own,
fliould not endeavor to remove the
Beam in his Brothers. Every fpeck do's
not blind a man, nor do's every infir-
mity make one unable to difcern, or in-
competent to reprove the grofler faults
of others.
10. Yet
222 The Government of the Tongue.
lo. Yet after all let us as much as is
poffible clear our eies even of this mote,
and make our Copy as worth tranfcri-
bing as we can : for certainly the bed in^
iLrument of reformation is example : and
tho admonition may fometimes be ne-
ceffary, yet there are many circumftan-
ces required to the right ordering of that,
fo that it cannot alwaies be pradiicable,
but a good example ever is. Befides it has
afecret magnetic vertue: like the Load-
Hone it attradls by a power of which we
can give no account : fo that it feems to
be one of thofe occult qualities, thole
fecrets in nature, which have puzled the
enquirers, only experience demonftrates
it to us. I am iure it do's ( too abundant-
ly } in ill examples , and I doubt not,
might do the like in good? if they were
as plentifully experimented. And that they
may be fb, let every man be ambitious
to caft in his mite: for tho two make
but a farthing, yet they may be multipli-
ed to the vafteft fum. However if a man
cannot reform others, yet I am fure twill
be worth his while , fo to fave htrnfelffrom
this untoward generation ^ KGt, 2. 40. I
have now prefented the Tongue under a
double
TheClofe. 223
double afped: ) fuch asmay juftify thean-
cient Definition of it , that it is the worft
and bed part of man , thebeftinits ori-
ginal and defign , and the worft in its cor-
ruption and degeneration. In David the
man after Gods heart it was his glory, Pfa.
57.8. The beft member that he had ^ Pfal.
108. I. But in the wicked it cuts like a
sharp Razor ,VfA. 52. 2. TTi" asthevenem
of Afps 140. 3. The Tongues from hea-
ven were Cloven Ad. 2. 2. to be the more
diffufive of good: but thofe that are/r^i
from hell are forked , Jam. 3. 6. to be the
more impreflive of mifchief : it muft be
referred to every mans choice , into which
of the forms he will mold his. Solomon
tells us T>eath and Life are in the power of
the Tongue , and that not only directly in
regard of the good or ill we may do to
others, but reiiexively alfo,in refped of
what may rebound to our felves. Let Mo^
fes then make the inference from Solo,
mens "^T^miks , Therefore chufe life , Deut,
30. I J. a propofal lo reafonable , fo a-
greable to nature , that no florilhes can
render it more inviting. I fliall therefore
leave it to the Readers contemplation,
and fliall hope that if he pleafe but to
revolve
2 24 The Government of the Tongue.
revolve it with that lerioufnefs which
the importance exadis, he will new fet
his tongue, compofe it to thofe pious
Divine ftreins, which may be a proper
preludium to thofe Allelujahs he hopes
eternally to fing.
FINIS.
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